Teeth Chiseling | National Geographic | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Menawan people believe that beauty is about maintaining balance between body and soul, and tooth filing is a painful practice that enhances beauty and prevents the soul from wandering.

Key Insights

• 💅 The Menawan people prioritize maintaining balance between body and soul for their concept of beauty.
• 💟 Permanent decorations like tattoos and tooth filing are believed to prevent the soul from leaving the body.
• 🛃 Influences from outside cultures have impacted the traditional practices and customs of the Menawan tribe.
• 🙈 The tooth filing ritual is seen as a way to enhance one's beauty and gain social status within the tribe.
• 🦷 The tooth filing procedure is performed by a shaman, using sharp tools without anesthesia.
• 💅 Tooth filing can be a painful and uncomfortable process, but it is regarded as a necessary sacrifice for beauty.
• 😄 The decision to undergo tooth filing is influenced by personal choices and societal expectations, such as pleasing a spouse.

Transcript

here in the remote Sumatran archipelago a people called the menawan conjured up ideals of beauty that are more than Skin Deep for them beauty is a matter of maintaining balance between Body and Soul at the dawn of time according to Legend the menawan split into spirits and humans but humans will rejoin the spirit world if their souls are not happy ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do the Menawan believe that maintaining balance between body and soul is important for beauty?

The Menawan believe that if the soul is not pleased with the body, it will leave, leading to death. Therefore, they see beauty as a matter of keeping the soul and body in harmony.

Q: What is the purpose of tooth filing among the Menawan?

Tooth filing is believed to enhance beauty and prevent the soul from wandering. It is considered a permanent decoration that keeps the spirit connected to the body.

Q: Why is tooth filing considered a painful practice?

Tooth filing involves using sharp tools without anesthesia, causing pain and discomfort. Additionally, the procedure damages the teeth and shortens their lifespan.

Q: Is tooth filing a mandatory practice among the Menawan?

Tooth filing is no longer mandatory for everyone in the Menawan tribe. It has become an optional rite of passage influenced by external factors and personal choices.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Menawan people believe that maintaining balance between body and soul is crucial for beauty and happiness.

• Tooth filing is a rare and painful practice among the Menawan, believed to enhance beauty and prevent the soul from leaving the body.

• The tooth filing ritual is optional now, influenced by outside factors, but still holds significance for those who choose to undergo it.