In Northwest Pacific First Nation cultures - notably Tsimshian, Haida and Tlingit, a labret or lip plug placed a symbol of status, lineage or wealth. Woman often held high ranking positions as Elders and the the size of the labret gave distinction of age, nobility, rank, etc. Similar to other cultures, girls of high rank began wearing small pegs -which graduated to larger labrets as they reached social maturity, eligibility for marriage and clan status.