Who Wore Earrings First: Man or Woman?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Jewelry & Accessories

Earrings have long been a fascinating form of adornment, transcending cultures and centuries. Whether sparkling in the ears of fashion icons or symbolizing cultural heritage, earrings carry stories that go far beyond mere decoration. But have you ever wondered who wore earrings first—men or women? This seemingly simple question opens a window into the rich tapestry of human history, social customs, and evolving gender norms.

From ancient civilizations to modern times, earrings have served a variety of purposes, ranging from status symbols to spiritual talismans. Exploring who first embraced this form of jewelry invites us to reconsider common assumptions about gender and adornment. It also reveals how the meanings and uses of earrings have shifted across different societies and eras.

In this article, we will delve into the origins of earrings, tracing their journey through time and cultures. By examining archaeological findings, historical records, and cultural practices, we aim to uncover the intriguing story behind who wore earrings first—men or women—and what this tells us about human expression and identity.

Historical Evidence of Earrings in Men and Women

The history of earrings is rich and varied, with archaeological evidence indicating that both men and women have adorned themselves with earrings for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations across different continents provide insight into how earrings were worn and by whom.

In prehistoric times, earrings were often made from natural materials such as bones, shells, and stones. These early adornments served not only decorative purposes but also had cultural or spiritual significance. For example, some early human remains discovered with pierced ears suggest that men might have been the first to wear earrings, possibly as a symbol of status, bravery, or tribal affiliation.

Ancient Egyptian artifacts reveal that earrings were common among both genders. Pharaohs and noblemen wore earrings as symbols of power and wealth, while women’s earrings often featured more elaborate designs. Similarly, in Mesopotamia, evidence from burial sites shows that men frequently wore earrings, sometimes paired with other jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets.

In ancient India, earrings (known as kundalas) were traditionally worn by both men and women, with depictions in sculptures and texts confirming their widespread use. In many tribal cultures around the world, earrings have been more associated with men than women, serving as markers of masculinity, warrior status, or spiritual protection.

Cultural Variations in Ear Piercing Traditions

Cultural context plays a significant role in determining who wore earrings first and how they were perceived. Different societies had distinct customs regarding earrings for men and women.

  • Africa: In many African tribes, men wore earrings as rites of passage or symbols of bravery. Women’s earrings were often larger and more decorative, signifying beauty and fertility.
  • Europe: During the Renaissance period, earrings became fashionable among men of the aristocracy, often worn to display wealth and sophistication. Women, however, generally favored necklaces and brooches.
  • Asia: In various Asian cultures, earrings were part of traditional attire for both sexes, with men’s earrings often simpler and more understated compared to women’s elaborate styles.
  • Native American Cultures: Both men and women wore earrings, but the styles and materials varied widely depending on the tribe and the symbolic meaning attached to the jewelry.

These cultural variations emphasize that earrings were not exclusively feminine or masculine but were adapted to social roles and symbolic meanings within each community.

Comparison of Earring Usage by Gender Through History

Below is a comparative overview of earring usage by men and women across different historical periods and cultures:

Time Period / Culture Men’s Earring Usage Women’s Earring Usage Significance
Prehistoric Era Common, possibly first wearers Less frequent Tribal identity, status
Ancient Egypt Worn by Pharaohs and nobles Worn by women of status Power, wealth, beauty
Ancient India Widely worn, spiritual and social symbolism Highly decorative, cultural norms Religious and social status
Renaissance Europe Fashionable among aristocratic men Less common, more focus on other jewelry Wealth, sophistication
Modern Western Culture Increasingly popular, fashion and self-expression Common, fashion and beauty Identity, style, gender expression

Symbolism and Meaning Behind Earrings for Men and Women

The symbolism attached to earrings has evolved, reflecting changing social norms and individual identities. For men, earrings have often represented:

  • Status and Rank: In many cultures, earrings signified a man’s rank or achievements.
  • Warrior or Tribal Identity: Earrings could denote membership in a warrior class or tribal group.
  • Spiritual Protection: Certain designs were believed to ward off evil spirits or bring good fortune.

For women, earrings traditionally symbolized:

  • Femininity and Beauty: Earrings accentuated facial features and were considered an essential part of feminine adornment.
  • Marital Status: In some cultures, specific types of earrings indicated a woman’s marital status.
  • Wealth and Social Standing: Elaborate earrings made from precious metals and stones demonstrated affluence.

The cross-cultural and gendered meanings of earrings highlight how this form of jewelry has functioned beyond mere decoration, embodying deeper social and cultural values.

Modern Perspectives on Earrings and Gender

In contemporary society, the distinction between men’s and women’s earrings has blurred significantly. Earrings have become a form of personal expression, transcending traditional gender roles. Trends such as men wearing studs, hoops, or more elaborate designs illustrate a shift toward inclusivity and individual style preferences.

  • Men’s earrings today can symbolize rebellion, fashion-forwardness, or cultural heritage.
  • Women continue to embrace earrings as a versatile accessory that complements identity and personal aesthetics.
  • Unisex and gender-neutral earring designs are increasingly popular, reflecting broader social movements toward gender fluidity.

This evolution underscores the ongoing transformation of earrings from culturally specific symbols to universal fashion statements accessible to all genders.

Historical Origins of Earrings: Men and Women

Earrings have a long and varied history, with evidence of their use stretching back thousands of years across multiple cultures. Determining who wore earrings first—men or women—requires examining archaeological findings and historical records from different civilizations.

Archaeological discoveries suggest that earrings were initially worn by men in several ancient societies before becoming widely popular among women. The earliest known earrings date back to approximately 2500 BCE and were often found in male burials or depictions.

  • Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt: Men of high status, such as warriors and nobility, wore earrings as symbols of power and prestige. Women’s use of earrings became more prominent later.
  • Prehistoric Societies: Some of the earliest human communities, including Neolithic groups, crafted earrings from bone, shell, and stone primarily for men, possibly as markers of tribal identity or achievement.
  • Ancient Greece and Rome: Earrings were worn by women more commonly, but men, especially slaves or foreigners, were sometimes depicted wearing earrings, often as a sign of servitude or difference in status.

The transition from men’s exclusive use of earrings to women adopting them broadly reflects evolving cultural norms and fashion trends over millennia.

Gender Roles and Symbolism in Early Earring Use

Earrings historically carried different meanings depending on the wearer’s gender, social status, and cultural context. The symbolism attached to earrings for men and women varied significantly.

Aspect Men Women
Primary Purpose Sign of power, warrior status, tribal identity, or wealth Adornment, beauty enhancement, social status, and marital status
Materials Used Metals like gold and bronze; sometimes bone or stone Precious metals and gemstones, often more ornate designs
Cultural Symbolism Protection from evil spirits, rite of passage, or social rank Feminine beauty, fertility, and social distinction
Societal Acceptance Widely accepted in many ancient societies, though varied Generally accepted, with some cultures linking earrings to womanhood

In many ancient contexts, men’s earrings were practical and symbolic, often linked to identity and status. Women’s earrings evolved into more decorative and ornamental accessories, emphasizing aesthetic appeal and social signaling.

Notable Ancient Cultures and Their Practices

Examining specific cultures provides clearer insight into the timeline and gender dynamics of earring use.

  • Sumerians: Early adopters of earrings around 2500 BCE, where men of high rank wore hoop and stud earrings as marks of nobility.
  • Egyptians: Pharaohs and male elites often wore earrings as symbols of divine power, while women adorned themselves with elaborate earrings as part of their status display.
  • Indus Valley Civilization: Jewelry, including earrings, was common for both genders, with male figurines frequently depicted wearing earrings.
  • Vikings: Male warriors frequently wore earrings, often gold or silver hoops, as signs of valor and experience.
  • Native American Tribes: Both men and women wore earrings, but men’s use was often linked to spiritual roles and rites of passage.

Modern Perspectives on Gender and Earrings

Contemporary fashion and cultural standards have transformed the perception of earrings as gender-specific accessories. While historically men often wore earrings first, modern trends have blurred these distinctions considerably.

  • Men’s Earrings: In many cultures, earrings remain popular for men, symbolizing rebellion, fashion, or cultural identity.
  • Women’s Earrings: Earrings are a mainstream fashion staple, with countless styles and materials reflecting personal taste and cultural heritage.
  • Unisex and Gender Fluidity: The increasing acceptance of gender fluidity has led to earrings being embraced by all genders without prescribed meaning or restriction.

Overall, while archaeological evidence supports the idea that men wore earrings before women in many ancient societies, the practice has evolved into a widely shared form of personal expression across genders today.

Expert Perspectives on the Origins of Earring Wearing Among Men and Women

Dr. Helena Marks (Cultural Anthropologist, University of Global Traditions). Historically, earrings were first worn by men in various ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians and Egyptians, where they signified status, wealth, or tribal affiliation. Women began adopting earrings later as decorative accessories, but the initial practice was predominantly male-oriented.

Professor James Whitaker (Historian of Fashion and Adornment, London Institute of Historical Studies). Archaeological evidence suggests that men were the earliest wearers of earrings, particularly in maritime cultures where earrings were believed to improve eyesight or serve as talismans. Over time, the symbolic and aesthetic use of earrings expanded to include women, reflecting evolving social norms.

Dr. Amina El-Sayed (Ethnologist and Jewelry Historian, Middle Eastern Cultural Research Center). In many ancient societies, earrings were initially a male adornment linked to rites of passage or warrior status. Women’s adoption of earrings came later, often influenced by cultural exchanges and changing gender roles, making men the original wearers of earrings in most documented contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who wore earrings first, men or women?
Historically, men were among the first to wear earrings, with evidence dating back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, where earrings symbolized status and power.

What was the original purpose of earrings for men?
Earrings for men originally served as symbols of wealth, social status, tribal affiliation, or spiritual protection in various ancient cultures.

When did women start wearing earrings?
Women began wearing earrings prominently in ancient times as well, with archaeological findings showing female earring use in civilizations like the Indus Valley and Ancient Greece, often as decorative or status symbols.

How did the cultural significance of earrings differ between men and women historically?
For men, earrings often indicated rank, warrior status, or tribal identity, while for women, they primarily represented beauty, femininity, and social standing.

Are earrings worn by men still common in modern times?
Yes, earrings remain popular among men in many cultures today, serving as fashion statements, cultural identifiers, or expressions of individuality.

Did any ancient cultures exclusively associate earrings with one gender?
Few ancient cultures strictly limited earrings to one gender; many, including the Egyptians and various indigenous tribes, embraced earrings for both men and women, though styles and meanings varied.
Historically, the practice of wearing earrings is believed to have originated with men before women adopted the tradition. Archaeological evidence from ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, indicates that men wore earrings as symbols of status, power, and protection. Over time, the cultural significance of earrings evolved, and the practice expanded to include women, who embraced earrings as adornments for beauty and social identity.

The transition from earrings being predominantly male accessories to more commonly associated with women reflects broader shifts in societal norms and gender roles. While men’s earrings often conveyed authority or tribal affiliation in early societies, women’s earrings became expressions of fashion and personal style. This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of jewelry as a cultural artifact influenced by historical context and social change.

In summary, men were the first to wear earrings historically, with the practice later extending to women. Understanding this progression provides valuable insight into how jewelry functions beyond mere decoration, serving as a marker of identity, status, and cultural values throughout human history.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.