Earplug c. 15th century

This small, unattributed, stone earplug, dated to the 15th century, is an example of ancient decorative body art, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The earplug is made from a rough stone, carved into a simple, circular shape with a hollow center. While the small size and simple shape make it difficult to discern intricate design details, it speaks to the ancient cultures and practices of adornment. The object is a reminder of the long history of personal expression through body modification.