The story behind what you’re seeing here — a 2.1 gram 24kt gold nugget implanted in a forearm by Ben in Ottawa at The Ink Spot — is quite interesting.

The person who got the implant is Islamic, and was in need of a medical procedure that for spiritual reasons was forbidden. Her Mullah suggested that she have a blessed object implanted in her body instead, so this piece of gold was blessed, and she went to Ben asking to have it installed (anywhere would do, so they chose the forearm for ease of maintenance). Interesting intersection of cultures.

I guess this is a “learn something new every day” day, because while I was aware that blessed gold implants are a part of Buddhist culture (and also, are still done), I had no idea they were a part of Muslim culture, let alone in Canada!

Anyway, if anyone knows anything else on this subject, please post it in the comment forum!