On the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, there is an ancient tradition known as pasipiat sot or kerik gigi, which involves modifying and sharpening the teeth to give them a pointed shape. For generations, this practice was especially associated with women and was considered a symbol of beauty and maturity.
The tradition is practiced when a young woman reaches adolescence or adulthood. The teeth are worked on with traditional tools, such as a chisel and a hammer, without anesthesia. In some communities, several of the upper and lower front teeth were modified.
But for the Mentawai, it is not just about appearance. Dental modification is also related to cultural identity and the idea of achieving a balance between the body and the soul.
Over time, the practice has declined considerably, and many younger generations no longer observe it. However, it can still be found in communities such as Buttui, in southern Siberut, where some people continue to preserve this custom as part of their cultural heritage.
