Afghan Piercing (natkai) or a Nose ring, Cultural symbol

Piercings, and body markings have played roles in many cultures for millennia, serving as identification, protection, and decoration.

Afghan piercing, a form of body modification, is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewellery may be worn. Although the history of body piercing is obscure and undocumented, evidence has been found that piercing/body modification has been practiced in various forms by both sexes since ancient times.

For hundreds of years, women in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and South Asia have pierced their bodies , a practice Afghan Piercing in Afghanistan is one of the oldest forms of art and is laden with as many different meanings as there are global cultures. Trendy in recent years, the nose piercing (natkai) are part of a tradition of beautifying a bride or declare one’s happiness.

Piercing adorns the nose of an Afghan woman in villages. Members of the Kuchi tribe strive to retain cultural traditions even as they forge ties with the modern world.

Afghan piercing Process

The reasons for piercing or not piercing are varied. Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons, while others pierce for self-expression, for aesthetic value. A lot of people are fascinated about getting a piercing.

natkai

It is important to allow your Afghan piercing to heal on its own. A piercing is similar to a wound and it should be treated in the same way. Removing the jewelry or trying out different kinds before it’s completely healed can lead to infections. Removing or changing the jewelry will interrupt the natural healing process.

The first few days after the piercing, the area will be tender and there can be some swelling. Removing or fiddling with the jewelry can cause it to start bleeding again. The exact duration of the healing process depends on where the piercing is. Some piercings will take a month and others can take up to year to be completely healed.