Elongated Earlobes Collection

Kadoo, a native of the Caroline Islands, with elongated earlobes, necklace and tattoos
FLO4695709 Kadoo, a native of the Caroline Islands, with elongated earlobes, necklace and tattoos. Handcoloured stipple engraving from Frederic Shoberl's The World in Miniature

King of the Caroline Islands. Chief with elongated earlobes and body tattoos
FLO4695707 King of the Caroline Islands. Chief with elongated earlobes and body tattoos. Handcoloured stipple engraving from Frederic Shoberl's The World in Miniature

Head of Buddha, from Vat Romlok, Angkot Borei, 6th-7th century (sandstone)
XIR216601 Head of Buddha, from Vat Romlok, Angkot Borei, 6th-7th century (sandstone) by Cambodian; 28x15 cm; Musee National de Phnom Penh, Cambodia; out of copyright

Buddha in Meditation on the Naga King, Mucilinda, detail of Buddhas head, from Preah Khan
XIR197137 Buddha in Meditation on the Naga King, Mucilinda, detail of Buddhas head, from Preah Khan, Bayon style, 12th-13th century (sandstone) by Cambodian; Musee Guimet, Paris

Head of a giant Buddha (bronze)
LIT197139 Head of a giant Buddha (bronze) by Thai; National Museum, Bangkok, Thailand; Photo © Luca Tettoni

Head of a giant Buddha (bronze)
LIT197138 Head of a giant Buddha (bronze) by Thai; National Museum, Bangkok, Thailand; (add.info.: tete de Buddha geant au nez tombant; ); Photo © Luca Tettoni

Head of a Smiling Buddha, Greco-Buddhist style, from Hadda, 1st-4th century (stucco)
EAM200003 Head of a Smiling Buddha, Greco-Buddhist style, from Hadda, 1st-4th century (stucco) by Afghan School; Musee Guimet, Paris, France; Afghan, out of copyright

Inhabitants of Easter Island, from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne
CHT215717 Inhabitants of Easter Island, from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne by Jules Ferrario, c.1820 (coloured engraving) by Botticelli, Carlo (fl.1820); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

A striking old Pokot woman wearing the traditional beaded ornaments of her tribe which denote her married status. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Head of a Buddha, Greco-Buddhist style, from Hadda (stucco)
XIR197140 Head of a Buddha, Greco-Buddhist style, from Hadda (stucco) by Afghan School, (3rd century); Musee Guimet, Paris, France; Afghan, out of copyright

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Elongated earlobes have been a prominent feature in various cultures and civilizations throughout history. From ancient sculptures to tribal traditions, these stretched lobes hold significant cultural and aesthetic value. In the 6th-7th century sandstone sculpture of the Head of Buddha from Vat Romlok, Angkot Borei, one can observe the serene expression on his face along with elongated earlobes that symbolize wisdom and enlightenment. Similarly, in the Head of a giant Buddha made of bronze, this distinctive feature represents spiritual power and divine knowledge. Moving forward in time to the Qing dynasty, we encounter a cast gilt bronze Figure of Avolokitesvara Guanyin. This depiction showcases elongated earlobes as an attribute of compassion and mercy associated with this bodhisattva. Not limited to religious representations alone, they can also seen among indigenous tribes like the Pokot people. A striking old Pokot woman wearing traditional beaded ornaments proudly displays her married status through these stretched lobes. The Mursi tribe is another group known for their unique body modifications. A young Mursi girl at her mother's small entrance exhibits her culture's tradition by adorning large clay lip plates alongside elongated earlobes. Even Easter Island inhabitants have left us awe-inspired by their monumental stone statues called Moai. These colossal figures possess distinctively long ears carved into solid rock formations. From Greco-Buddhist style sculptures found in Hadda to tribal communities embracing their heritage through body adornments, elongated earlobes serve as visual markers connecting diverse cultures across time and geography. They remind us that beauty lies not only in physical appearance but also in celebrating our rich tapestry of human history and diversity.