labret

a medium sized labret (lip plug) from the West Point dig in Seattle. This dates from ca. 4000 BP to 2600 BP and likely was worn by a young to middle aged woman. These were a status symbol, as one had to have it inserted at a potlatch where "anyone who was anyone" was in attendance, and it might take years to save up enough wealth to throw the potlatch. This one has slight wear markings from the woman's teeth on the inside surface.