Earplug c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have an earplug, dating back to the 15th century. It is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Crafted from stone, this circular object feels surprisingly modern despite its age. What catches your eye, looking at it? Curator: The circle is fundamental to human symbolic thought, isn't it? A symbol of wholeness, eternity, the self...and here, physically entering the body, altering perception. Imagine the layers of meaning: status, ritual, perhaps even spiritual protection against unwanted sounds or energies. It's a carved object designed to interface with the human form; that relationship alone speaks volumes. Editor: I hadn't considered it like that, but yes. Were earplugs like this common? What did it signify to wear one? Curator: While specific meanings would vary across cultures, consider what any kind of body modification signifies. In many societies, they are about transformation, claiming control, and expressing belonging. Piercing practices mark the body to signify the individual and group identity. Editor: So much intention embedded in such a seemingly simple object. Curator: Indeed. The choice of stone, too –its durability, its perceived energetic qualities – everything contributes to the complex visual language. An ordinary item speaks volumes about human nature. What do you find most intriguing? Editor: It is intriguing that even everyday objects contain complex codes of meaning, just like artworks do! Curator: Precisely! It challenges our preconceptions, revealing that every crafted item carries a story, a silent testament to the cultural memory it holds.