Terminology-Bodily modification

Matthew Hill (mhill@WATARTS.UWATERLOO.CA)
Mon, 17 Jan 1994 13:04:30 -0500

I suggest that the term 'corporeal enculturation' would be
both broad enough and adequately fuzzy to be useful. The implication,
of course, is that what is going on in modification of the body
is bringing the natural, the body, under cultural control.

Bob Graber argues that cutting of hair or nails should not be
included. What of permitting growth beyond the general rule?
Samson (biblical, not Garth) or the stereotypical receptionist;
Chinese Mandarins or Rastafarians.

And what of beards?

Apropos: interesting article in most recent Anthropology Today
on 'prison tattoing'. reference not to hand.