Nasal piercing in women : Between fashion and cultural obligation

Piercing is a practice that is growing in Benin society. For the aesthetics of the body or the respect of cultures, some girls get their noses pierced, navel, the lips, the arc of the mouse, language, etc. A practice appreciated differently and the extent of which is difficult to estimate.

Firmin KASSAGA

Young girls aged between 20 and 30 years would be the most affected by this practice of nasal piercing. Within this segment of the population, it’s a rather trendy practice. For these girls, piercing gives another self-image. “The piercing on the nose invigorates our charm”, Jeanne is convinced, around twenties. She adds : “I like it and I know I look pretty with it.” It is therefore clear, for some, piercing constitutes a weapon of seduction as Nadège explains, thirties : “I won’t say that it’s my primary weapon for seduction but I think that it also plays a part in it. I've been wearing piercings since I was twenty and I can tell you that almost all my friends like them.". Men are undoubtedly the primary targets., we will even say the only one. The latter do not fail to appreciate the practice, as Judicaël A says. : “I really like these girls who wear piercings. I think these piercings add more to their charm”. Olivier V. also finds the practice good adding that it also depends on the one who adopts it.

Alongside these people who appreciate this practice, another category castigates it because, according to them, she distorts feminine beauty. This is the case of Perpétue,  the forties who find that “It’s unworthy, we don’t need all that to please, especially since African beauty is original and original”. She goes on to say : “Those who do it to seduce men, do not have the true sense of seduction and also these men who laze behind these women just for that, lack taste ». Anna, on his side, shares the same conviction as Perpétue but also finds that despite everything, taste remains relative and it is up to everyone to do what seems good to them even if it, personally does not intend to pierce his body.

Le piercing, a cultural practice….

 It should also be noted that piercing remains a cultural but also religious practice in Benin, particularly in the northern regions.. Peoples such as the Peulh but for cultural reasons even if originally, wearing jewelry on the nose and on different parts of the body was intended to be seductive. Followers of the Tron cult, on their side, don't forget to wear jewelry on your nose, other followers of traditional religions, use it too. Approached to find out the reasons, a follower affirms that it is sacred and that she could not serve this information to anyone who wants. This therefore justifies the spiritual grandeur of this practice among certain layers of society.

Piercing, impact on health ?

Regarding its impact on the health of these women, Doctor Pierre-Nicolas Carron states in an article titled “Piercings are not harmless for health” that : “in the vast majority of situations, piercing is not a problem. However, in some cases, the risk of complications is real. The occurrence of these complications will depend on the risk factors that the person presents., the location of the piercing and the installation methods ». This statement by Doctor Pierre-Nicolas is approved by Doctor Adam-Scott who in the same article finds that “the first risk is to end up with an unsightly scar”. He continues by adding : “A lot of piercings are done on the face, this can have significant consequences. It should not be assumed that in the event of a complication, just remove the piercing and it will no longer appear ! ».