We have all heard of the famous rapper Paul Wall, and how he became popular for his love of grillz. But where did this popular trend really originate?
It mainly originated from the Etruscan and Roman eras. People in that era wore gold teeth as a status symbol and to show their wealth. However, it was not only the wealthy who could afford gold teeth back then. Even some slaves were known to have them.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of gold grillz and gold teeth, keep reading. We’ll take a closer look at where they came from and how they’ve evolved.
Gold Teeth And Gold Grillz History
Gold teeth have been around for a long time, like 4500 years. The first time they were recorded was in Etruscan times. Gold teeth were popular among the upper class and often signified status and wealth.
It wasn’t until the late 1970s that gold grillz became popular in the United States. The trend was started by rappers and hip-hop artists who wanted to show off their wealth and success. Gold teeth quickly became a status symbol in the rap community, and soon everyone wanted a set of their own.
800 BC – 200 BC: Etruscan Civilization
The Etruscans lived in central Italy from 800 BC to 200 BC, and they were known for their love of luxury and opulence were the first people who were known to have gold teeth
Wealthy Etruscan women would often have their teeth plated with gold. This was seen as a sign of power and status, and it helped them stand out from the rest of the population. Etruscan women had more legal rights than Greek and Roman women, so they could own property and go to public banquets with their husbands. Their gold teeth were a visible sign of this increased freedom and equality.
The Etruscans significantly impacted Roman culture before the Roman Empire took them over. This is likely why gold teeth became popular in Rome as well. In the 1800s, American archaeologists started digging in Rome. However, the gold Etruscan teeth they discovered were in such poor condition that identifying them was nearly impossible.
Despite this, the Etruscans are still considered the first civilization to wear gold teeth.
300 AD to 900 AD: Maya Civilization
From about 300 to 900 AD, the Maya civilization thrived in Mesoamerica. Gold teeth were used as a sign of status. Members of the upper class would have their teeth plated with thin sheets of gold. This was seen as a sign of power and wealth, and it helped them stand out from the rest of the population.
Maya royalty often had their teeth inlaid with jade or other precious stones. People thought this made them even more important because it showed they had access to rare and valuable resources. People also thought that jade had magical powers and would protect the person who wore it.
1980: United States
The modern gold tooth trend began in the United States in the late 1970s or early 1980s. It was started by rappers and hip-hop artists who wanted to show off their wealth and success. African American communities in New York City and Los Angeles were the first to adopt the trend. Artists like Flava Flav and Slick Rick popularized gold teeth in hip-hop songs and videos, and soon everyone wanted a set of their own.
By the 1990s, gold teeth were worn by celebrities from all walks of life, including athletes, actors, and musicians. They became so popular that even people who couldn’t afford real gold started wearing fake grillz made of plastic or other materials.
Worldwide Popularity in Recent Years
In recent years, gold teeth have become popular all over the world. They’re no longer just worn by rappers and hip-hop artists; people from all walks of life now wear them.
While some people wear gold grillz as a fashion statement, others do it to flaunt their financial or social status. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that gold teeth have become a global phenomenon. Stars like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Kanye West have all been seen rocking gold grillz, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Were Egyptians the First to Wear Gold Teeth?
No, the Egyptians were not the first to wear gold teeth. The Egyptians used gold in dentistry but did not come up with the idea of having gold teeth. According to archaeologists, that honor goes to the Etruscans, the first civilization to wear gold teeth.
It’s commonly believed that the Egyptians were the first to use gold teeth, but this is inaccurate. However, the Egyptians did play a role in popularizing dental implants made of precious metals like gold, as they had a fondness for gold.
FAQ’s
Who Made Grills Popular?
It was made popular in the United States by rappers and hip-hop artists in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
Why Do People Wear Grills?
While some people adorn gold grillz as a trend, others view it as a way to show off their money or social class. Regardless of the motive, one thing is for sure- gold teeth are now mainstream worldwide.
Where Do Grills Originate from?
The first civilization on record to have worn gold teeth was the Etruscans. They were located in central Italy, and their reign was from the 8th century BCE to the 1st century BCE.
When Were Grills Invented?
About the 7th century BCE, the Etruscans began to develop a type of dental prosthesis out of gold. They would hammer thin plates of gold and shape them to the teeth.
Hey there! I’m Jacky Pearson, the founder and author of a popular website dedicated to all things grills-related. As an avid fan of this dazzling accessory since my youth, I created my site to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others in the same boat as me.
Through my website, I offer an extensive range of information on various types of grillz – such as gold teeth, diamond cuts and custom-made designs – as well as tips on style and maintenance advice to help you choose the right type of grillz and keep them looking great. I also offer reviews of popular grills, as well as tips for how to choose a style that suits you best. Whatever your needs are when it comes to grills, I strive to be an informative source of useful advice and resources. Read More
