Kosmetische Medizin 5-2009: 184 – 187

BODY SHAPE AND OUTWARD APPEARANCE
Körperform und Erscheinungsbild

ERNST G. JUNG, HEIDELBERG

KEY WORDS: Anthropology, Develeopment of mankind, body shape, outward appearance, symbol of power, instrument individuation, use and misuse

SUMMARY:
The modern man (Homo sapiens) developed in Africa and spread “out of Africa” all over the world since at least 170 000 years. Its extraordinary development is documented along its way by an increasing number of archeological findings. The modern body shape including the pigmentation of skin and hair as well as the crane formation enabling an extraordinary neurophysiologic burst give the structural and functional bases for new and unique qualities, such as language, memory, reflection, logic, spirituality etc. This development culminates in the socalled “Neolithic turn” about 4 thousands years b. C.

At that time the body shape and one’s outward appearance were significant for power, success, glory and reputation. This may be substituted more and more by the rising need of individual presentation and personal apparition. A wide range of artificial modifications of the body shape and the outward appearance facilitate this process. Excessive application and misuse are not to avoid.