You may not have known that grillz originated long before Nelly exclaimed, "You want to see my what?" The history dates back even longer than when rappers like Kilo Ali and Raheem the Dream sported grillz in their rap videos. Surprisingly, these teeth adornments are even older than the Egyptians, and researchers found remnants of them in several places throughout the world.
Giza
One of the first documented uses of grillz was from around 2,500 B.C. Archaeologists found a man with two gold teeth from this time period buried in Giza.
Etruscans
The next documentation of grillz came from the Etruscans. Archaeologists speculate the Etruscans lived before Christ - although the exact time is questionable. However, researchers know that these individuals dwelled in present-day northern Lazio, western Umbria, and Tuscany.
What Researchers Discovered
Researchers assume information about the Etruscan culture from the tombs and graves since few writings survived throughout the years.
In particular, in the 1800s, American archaeologists dug up their remains and discovered gold teeth. None of these artifacts remain today, though. Unfortunately, researchers lost the gold teeth after passing them from person to person, so the only evidence that remains regarding the gold teeth during this time is in obscure journals.
During the research, they found around 20 examples of grillz from this time, and some consisted of delicate gold wiring used to connect the gold teeth to one another.
What Researchers Believe About the Grillz
Researchers who studied ancient Italian culture believe that women were the first ones to adorn their teeth in gold to represent their status. Surprisingly enough, archaeologists discovered some of the women during the Etruscan times removed their two front teeth intentionally. These women had someone either reuse their old teeth or replace their original teeth with gold bands in between the teeth.
Archaeologists believe that the Etruscans didn't seek the assistance of a dentist for this procedure. Instead, they sought out the services of a goldsmith who performed their aesthetic dental work.
Unfortunately, research indicates the trend of gold teeth faded when the Romans took over Italy.
Mayans
Archaeologists found the next culture in history to use grillz was the Mayans. They were classified as Mesoamericans and lived in places such as:
Research shows that the Mayans preferred to use jade to decorate their teeth. The individuals who placed these stones situated them directly into the person's teeth.
The green of the jade was symbolic of agriculture, sustenance, and plant growth. They even carefully selected the shade of the stone. Generally, the Mayans strived for lighter shades of green to signify their wealth and status. Besides to indicate their social status, the Mayans also placed gems in their teeth to enhance their appearance.
Although the sculptors and architects of the time were not nearly as wealthy as the elites who placed jade in their teeth, these individuals also desired the aesthetic appeal of decorative teeth. Instead of jade, they would request fillings in their teeth.
After the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s, decorated teeth were once again unfashionable.
Vikings
Researchers discovered that the next group in history to wear grillz was the Vikings, who inhabited Sweden.
You may think of the large helmets with horns when you think about this group of individuals; however, their style also incorporated gold teeth. Often, they would line the ridges of their teeth with gold.
They would even use a charcoal mix to highlight the white of their teeth with a dark hue.
These examples are just some of the individuals throughout history who practiced the art of tooth decoration. Although the trend of embellished teeth started many years ago and underwent changes throughout history, you can still choose to make your smile a masterpiece encrusted in gold to this day.
Schedule an appointment with Gold Teeth Baton Rouge, serving Baton Rouge, LA, and the nearby region, to discuss your options for gold teeth or grillz.
