Cartilage Piercing
The helix piercing is any piercing through the rim of the cartilage (thus making it susceptible to complications such as Ear Collapse if care is not taken to use proper tools and procedures; for example, Piercing guns have been shown to be capable of causing cartilage to shatter). The innermost part of the helix (closest to the head) is sometimes called an Ear Head Piercing.
Paul King adds,
"In the West the helix piercing is considered only as adornment. However, helix piercings are found on every continent and in many traditional cultures have great importance. The Dayak of Borneo (tribal names such as Iban and Punan) would wear bear canines in their upper ear cartilage, often connected with intricate bead work. This was considered a sign of a brave headhunter. In the Lmasala clan of the Samburu (Kenya), the mothers of warriors wear their sons' circumcision earrings in their cartilage during their warriorhood."
 |
 |
 |
 |
Alternative Names
- Ear Head Piercing
- a local term for helix piercings along the inner rim of the ear (ie. closest to the head). The earliest documented one in modern piercing was done by Crystal Cross on Elayne Angel.