538 - Why Did Ancient Vietnamese Warriors Paint Their Teeth BLACK? - Nam C Kim

Why did ancient Vietnamese communities dye their teeth black—and what did it mean about their identity, beauty, and survival?In this episode, Ken reunites with Columbia University archaeologist Prof. Nam C. Kim to explore the history, science, and cultural evolution of tooth blackening (nhuộm răng đen) in ancient and modern Vietnam.Joined by special guest artist and tattoo historian Andy Hori Tran, Kenneth and Nam examine recent archaeological studies analyzing human remains from the 2,000-year-old Đông Sơn culture. They break down the traditional recipes involving iron salts and gallnuts, the hygienic benefits of enamel protection, and how body modifications like tattooing and tooth staining served as boundary markers between ancient indigenous communities and expanding northern empires.Inside the Episode:The Archaeology of Tooth Blackening: Examining recent chemical analysis of 2,000-year-old Đông Sơn human remains and recipes used for permanent staining.The Trưng Sisters Era: Han Dynasty Chinese chronicles describing southern "barbarians" with short hair, tattoos, and blackened teeth.Cultural Purpose & Hygiene: How resin pastes protected teeth from decay while serving as rites of passage, community markers, and human-versus-animal distinctions.Andy Hori Tran on Đông Sơn Art: Decoding the visual motifs on bronze drums, headhunting depictions, boat scenes, and indigenous identity.Why the Practice Vanished: How Western contact, French colonial beauty standards, and modern shifts led to the decline of nhuộm răng đen in the 20th century.Connect & Follow:Guests: Prof. Nam C. Kim (Columbia University) / Andy Hori TranThe Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy