Ritual tooth modification in Bali (Metatah): Implications for dental assessment - 30/05/26
Highlights |
• | In the Hindu-Balinese tradition, a tooth-filing ceremony called metatah, involving the six maxillary anterior teeth, is still practised. However, contemporary data on its prevalence and applicability in human identification remain limited. The main purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and practice of the Metatah ritual in Indonesia and its potential applicability for human identification. |
• | An anonymous eleven-question e-survey (Google Forms, 2025) was conducted among Balinese individuals, and responses were quantitatively analysed using Microsoft Excel (2025, version 16.97.2, USA). |
• | Of the 55 participants, 49 (89.1%) reported having undergone the ritual. Among them, 28 (50.9%) stated that filing was performed until the incisal edges were smooth and the canines were reshaped to reduce sharpness. The reported reasons for the ritual included the elimination of Sad Ripu, the six enemies of the mind (60%), and as a rite of passage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood (25%). In 30 cases (54.5%), the ritual was performed by a sangging, a traditional Balinese ritual specialist. Most participants described the experience as not painful, while 26.5% reported moderate pain. This study highlights the ongoing practice of Metatah in Bali, Indonesia, which produces distinctive dental modifications. |
• | Deliberate tooth modifications can serve as cultural markers and status indicators and can help forensic anthropologists and odontologists identify demographic and cultural characteristics of unknown individuals. The extent of tooth substance removed during ritual modification is rarely documented. Anterior enamel thickness varies, and incisal wear may result from ageing, pathology, or intentional cultural practices. Distinguishing physiological, pathological, and intentional wear is essential when interpreting dental modifications. |
Summary |
Intentional dental modifications are valuable tools in human identification and profiling, helping to determine the cultural, ethnic, or regional origins of human remains. In the Hindu-Balinese tradition, a tooth-filing ceremony called Metatah , involving the six maxillary anterior teeth, is known. This study aimed to explore its prevalence and discuss the potential use in the analysis of dentition for human identification and profiling. An anonymous eleven-question e-survey (Google Forms, 2025) was conducted among Balinese individuals, and responses were quantitatively analysed using Microsoft Excel (2025, version 16.97.2, USA). Of the 55 participants, 49 (89.1%) reported having undergone the ritual. Among them, 28 (50.9%) stated that filing was performed until the incisal edges were smooth and the canines were reshaped to reduce sharpness. The reported reasons for the ritual included the elimination of Sad Ripu , the six enemies of the mind (60%), and as a rite of passage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood (25%). In 30 cases (54.5%), the ritual was performed by a sangging , a traditional Balinese ritual specialist. Most participants described the experience as not painful, while 26.5% reported moderate pain. This study confirms that Metatah in Bali yields characteristic dental modifications relevant to human identification and profiling. Incorporating knowledge of such practices alongside physiological and pathological tooth wear of anterior teeth enhances the accuracy of dental and anthropological assessments.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Metatah, Dental modification, Intentional alteration, Ritual, Identification, Dental profiling, Indonesia
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Vol 110 - N° 369
Article 101117- juin 2026 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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