Presenter: Salem Howes

Faculty Sponsor: Sarah Reedy

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Anthropology

Session: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM, Auditorium, A29

ABSTRACT

The objective of this research is to examine the skeletal, cultural, and ethical implications of cultural body modifications and their effects on the human skeleton within their broader social contexts. By analyzing the physical effects, historical origins, and social significance of each practice, this study aims to challenge misconceptions, reduce judgment, and deepen understanding of why body modifications were practiced in the past and continue today. This study draws on archaeological evidence, historical records, peer-reviewed literature, and case studies to examine cultural body modification practices. Additionally, ethnographic data is collected through a Google Forms survey distributed to anthropology students, gathering perspectives on both historical and modern body modifications which are compared to cultural meanings to identify any differences. Although this research is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that college students demonstrate varying levels of knowledge about historical and modern body modifications. Initial survey responses indicate that many individuals view body modification as both a form of cultural expression and a harmful practice. These findings highlight an important gap in the understanding of similar motivations between historical and modern body modification. This research emphasizes the shared motivations including identity, beauty, status, and belonging, that underlie both past and present body modification practices, helping to reduce judgement and misconceptions.