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Aplug (sometimesearplug orearspool), in the context ofbody modification, is a short, cylindrical piece ofjewelry commonly worn in larger-gaugebody piercings.[1] Modern western plugs are also calledflesh tunnels. Because of their size—which is often substantially thicker than a standard metalearring—plugs can be made out of almost any material.Acrylic glass,metal,wood,bone,stone,horn,glass,silicone orporcelain are all potential plug materials.
Plugs are commonly, and have historically, been worn in the ears. They can, however, be inserted into any piercing.
In order for a plug to stay put within a piercing, the ends of its cylindrical shape are often flared out, or the plug is fastened in place byO-rings. Combinations of these two methods may also be used.
Aflesh tunnel is a hollow, tube-shaped variety ofbody piercing jewelry. It is also sometimes referred to as aspool,fleshy,earlet,expander, oreyelet.
A flesh tunnel is usually used instretched orscalpelled piercings. Flesh tunnels are made in smaller gauges. However, the smaller the gauge the smaller the effect to see through the plug becomes. A person may choose to wear flesh tunnels instead of flesh plugs because they weigh less; at higher gauges, the weight difference increases. Flesh tunnels may be worn with acaptive bead ring or other object passed through them.
Flesh tunnels are fashioned from a broad range of materials, includingsurgical steel,titanium,Pyrexglass,silicone,acrylic glass,bone,horn, amber, bamboo, stone, and wood. Flesh tunnels, like flesh plugs, may feature a decorativeinlay or semi-precious stones. Some flesh tunnels have flares to keep the jewellery from falling out. If there are no flares, grooves may be cut near the edges to allow rubber or siliconeO-rings to hold the jewellery in place. The back of the flesh tunnel may also screw off. A flesh tunnel may also have an internally threaded backing, as externally threaded pieces can rip freshly stretched ears.
Although flesh tunnels are often worn in the earlobe, other soft-tissue piercings (such as in thenasal septum or nipples) can be fitted with one of an appropriate length.
During the ancient EgyptianNew Kingdom, both sexes wore a variety of jewelry, including earplugs and large-gauge hoop-style earrings.[2]
They were particularly used among indigenous cultures of theAmericas, includingMesoamerican cultures such as theMaya and theAztecs. They were most commonly made of gold, silver, or wood, but could also include shells or feathers.[3] Their use could sometimes significantly stretch the earlobe. In Mesoamerica they were used from as early as thePreclassic Period (2000–100 BC).[4]
Inca men wore gold or silver plugs in the ears, which indicated their nobility. Their stretched piercings, which could reach the size of two inches, later inspired a Spanish nickname for the Inca people:orejones ("big ears").[5][6]
Ivory earplugs have been used by theHmong people.[7]
Silver plugs, calledrombin, are worn byAka women.[8]
During the Bronze Age in what is today Spain, earlobe plugs were uncommongrave goods, indicating that they were reserved for high-status individuals.[9]