A recent study explores the historical significance and cultural implications of the 2,000-year-old practice of blackening teeth in Southeast Asian communities.
Approximately 2,000 years ago, it was common among some communities in Southeast Asia to darken their teeth, a practice that has now become exotic in modern times. A study published in Springer Nature by researchers from the Department of Archaeology and Natural Sciences at the Australian National University investigates why this practice held significance for our ancestors. The research, titled 'A Kingdom with Blackened Teeth 2,000 Years Ago: Tracing the Practice of Tooth Blackening in Ancient Vietnam,' presents a thorough exploration of its origins and evolution in the region.
The study reveals that the practice of tooth blackening began in Vietnam and eventually spread throughout Southeast Asia. It examines the various cultural associations tied to this custom, suggesting that blackening teeth could signify beauty in different societies, while also serving as a marker of 'civilization' and a symbolic separation from animals or malign entities. The motivations for this practice were not uniform, with variations depending on location and historical context.
In the Vietnamese context, the research provides insights into how this ancient beauty ritual reflected societal values and norms. It highlights how these beliefs about appearance and identity shaped community perceptions and interactions. This revival of interest in historical beauty practices prompts reflection on contemporary standards of beauty and how they are influenced by cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse historical practices that have shaped current perceptions of beauty.
