Reasons for teeth mutilation
Basic themes such as initiation identification and aesthetics underline many of the mutilation customs encountered throughout the tropics.
Beliefs and associations ascribed to the practice of tooth evulsions are
Tribal identification
Initiation rite
Sign of manhood or bravery
Differentiation of sexes
Sign of marriageable age in females
Sign of ceremonial rebirth
To ensure a life after death
Aesthetics and fashion
Therapeutic purposes
Sign of mourning
Sign of subjugation
Form of punishment
Cultural mimicry
To enable an individual to spit properly
Local superstition associated with phenomena such as rain
