Tattoos and piercings are among the most intriguing topics for university students. When I discovered that UNBC is hosting an exhibition on piercing, I knew I had to attend—and perhaps write an article about it!
Ever wonder how humans went from ancient bone jewelry to today’s trendy piercing studios? UNBC’s latest exhibition has some fascinating answers—and they go back much further than you might think.
The story behind “Piercing from Paris to the Pacific Northwest” is as unexpected as a spontaneous decision to get a cartilage piercing. It all started when anthropology professor Dr. Shauna spotted something intriguing in UNBC’s First Nations Gathering Place: a mask featuring a labret—a traditional lip ornament. For Dr. Shauna, who has spent decades studying similar practices among women in Ethiopia, this was more than just a cool artifact; it was a lightbulb moment.
“This is more than just an exhibition—it’s an exhibit within an exhibit,” Dr. Shauna explained during the opening. She emphasized something that might surprise many: body modifications aren’t just a modern rebellion. Instead, “they continue to be vibrant symbols of identity, gender status, and culture change.”
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey spanning 45,000 years through four captivating themes: centuries-old history (think Stone Age body art), tradition (where piercing marked everything from coming-of-age to social status), renewal (including California’s 1970s piercing renaissance), and explosion (how piercing went mainstream). Through colorful graphic design, it brings to life practices that span continents and millennia, demonstrating how something as simple as adorning the body has carried profound cultural significance throughout human history.
What makes this exhibition different? It’s not just some dusty display cases. UNBC students conducted their own research to contribute to this internationally traveling exhibition from Paris, bringing fresh perspectives to ancient practices. You’ll see everything from prehistoric artifacts to modern piercing culture, showing how people have been using body modification to express themselves for millennia.
The exhibition is currently on display at the Robert Frederick Gallery until December 15th, but don’t wait until the last minute to check it out. After its Prince George debut, it’s hitting the road to other UNBC campuses across northern B.C. Several UNBC students are staying involved as the exhibition travels, delving deeper into this fascinating piece of human history.
Want to make sure you don’t miss this unique exhibition? Contact the UNBC Arts Council for current viewing dates and potential schedule extensions.
