Body modification is a traditional form that has been practiced for thousands of years all around the world. Piercing and scarification has significance which varies for each individual, but their roles in society today are still important. It is done to achieve some desired purposes such as religious or mystical affiliations, shock value, just to be trendy, sexual enhancement, a rite of passage, aesthetic reasons, denoting affiliation, trust and loyalty, and self-expression.
** Piercing is one of the most mainstream forms of body modification today, including in the United States. It has its origins in Iraq and Iran 4000 years ago, and Cyprus 2200 years ago. It was also done in Tlingit of Southeast Alaska in 1918 to denote the status of children. The more piercing a child had the higher ranking he or she would be. Many different parts of the body were pierced, some parts are really difficult to get done.

Heavy earrings were used as a beauty symbol to stretch women’s earlobes. This has been practiced all over the world. Lip piercing was originally used by Eskimos in the Arctic. Lip plugs called "labrets" were put in for initiation, decoration, and as a status symbol. Nose piercing, while increasing in popularity today, was first done by the Tlingit in Alaska. They used it as a mark of distinction and prestige for men and women. It was also used in Ancient Mexico and India, and today in India and Pakistan.
Other piercings are less popular, but include locations in the eyebrow, tongue, genitals, navel, and other creative places.
**Scarification or Cicatrization is a means of permanently altering the skin. This form of body modification demonstrates that the appearance of skin is significant to many cultures. The process of scarification itself is performed by making tiny cuts and inserting dyes in order to alter the color of the skin. Another method is to burn the skin and create designs with the patterns of scars. These are really painful experiences to be done.  There is a carefully controlled healing process and means of infection prevention which differ from region to region.
The final result may be raised bumps called keltoids, which are achieved from the insertion of clay or ash into the skin. The design may be colored by inserting substances into wound, which resembles tattoos. The pattern may be the same as those found on textiles, wood-carvings, ceramics and sculpture.
The significance of scarification is to indicate permanent status change. It has a symbolic meaning to religious peoples and often a scarred person is honored for their endurance and courage because the process is extremely painful.