Here's a breakdown:
* Africa: The practice is well-documented and still practiced by several tribes in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and Sudan. Among the Mursi and Surma people of Ethiopia's Omo Valley, lip plates are traditionally worn by women. It's a significant part of their cultural identity.
* South America: Lip plates were historically used by various indigenous groups in South America, including in parts of Brazil and Ecuador. Archaeological evidence suggests that the practice was prevalent in the past.
While less common, there have also been instances of lip plates being found or practiced in other regions, such as:
* North America: Indigenous peoples in North America, especially in the Pacific Northwest, have historically practiced forms of lip piercing and ornamentation, although true lip plates were less common than in Africa and South America.
* Asia: There are some historical accounts of lip stretching practices in certain parts of Asia, but it was not as widespread or consistently practiced as in the other regions.
Therefore, the most accurate answer is that lip plates originated in Africa and South America, with the earliest evidence coming from these continents.