A rook piercing is a perforation of the antihelix of the ear for the purpose of wearing jewelry. It is located just above the tragus on the ridge between the inner and outer conch with the piercing passing from the underside to the top of this ridge, differing from many ear piercings that essentially span between a “front” and “back” surface. Erik Dakota, a well known professional piercer and the individual responsible for originating and popularizing the rook piercing, is said to have named this modification after a shortened version of his first name. The piercing was first named in issue #4 of the magazine Body Play and Modern Primitives Quarterly (published by Fakir Musafar) around 1992 alongside the first printed reference to the industrial piercing, then termed “industrial ear project”.
The procedure is done similarly to other piercings of the cartilage of the ear. Clamps may be used but it is usually done freehand. Once the area is cleaned, the piercer and the client will agree on placement, although because of its location it can be difficult to see exactly where the entrance and exit holes will be. Generally, the piercer will advise the client on the best location. The entrance and exit holes are marked, and a hollow needle is pushed through. Many professional piercers will use either a 14g or 16g needle by default, although it is possible to use even larger gauges. The jewelry is then inserted, and the piercing complete.
Pain is very subjective and it is difficult to ascertain how much the initial piercing will hurt to a given person. Some people experience pain comparable to that of an average cartilage piercing to the helix or tragus, and others have described it as one of the most painful piercings they’ve ever received, either in the ear or their whole body. However, pain thresholds differ between individuals, so what may be painful to one person may be a slight tickle to someone else.
The rook piercing is also cared for much like any other ear cartilage piercing. Salt soaks (warm water (optimally sterilized by boiling) mixed with a small amount of sea salt) are recommended twice a day for the first month or two. These soaks will soften any dried lymph, clean the piercing as well as the jewellery, partially sterilize the area due to the salt, and alleviate swelling and soreness. The warm water also encourages blood flow to the area aiding in the healing process. Washing the area once a day gently with liquid soap and warm water will decrease the chances of infection. Ideally, an antimicrobial soap should be used, but for most people a fragrance-free and dye-free liquid antibacterial soap will suffice. One must be careful not to over-wash the area as this can lead to drying the area out. Alcohol and peroxide should also not be used for the same reason. Antibacterial and antimicrobial ointments (such as Neosporin) should never be used as they seal off the wound from receiving any air. One should avoid touching the area as much as possible, and if necessary, wash their hands beforehand. Care should be taken when changing shirts so that the jewellery isn’t tugged as well as when using a telephone as the receiver may spread germs to the wound and the pressure can delay healing. Otherwise, for most people, the area is tucked into the ear more so than most other cartilage piercings and is less susceptible to incidental bumps and knocks.
Soreness is likely to persist for the first couple of months with the worst occurring during the first week or two. Jewellery should not be changed until at least eight weeks after the procedure. Primary healing will usually conclude within six months with full, secondary healing of the fistula complete in 12 to 18 months. Always choose a trusted professional and a reputable shop like Orbit Skate and Boutique!
