Apo Whang Od hand tapping my Tribal Crab (Traveler) tattoo
The Oldest Mambabatok
Buscalan, Kalinga, Philippines
Apo Whang Od, the oldest Mambabatok (tattoo artist) in the Philippines, was considered as the last Mambabatok until she decided to train her three granddaughters. According to tradition, her tattooing skills can only be inherited through lineage and believed that if someone outside the bloodline starts tattooing, the tattoo will get infected.
Designs are geometric shapes and are usually found in nature. Even tattoo ink and tools are natural, a mixture of charcoal and water that will be tapped into the skin through a pomelo thorn. On me is a tribal crab which means traveller and a serpent eagle, a combination of an eagle the symbol of warrior and a centipede for protection. I personally interpret it as a protected traveling warrior.
Sak Yant by a Monk
Wat Bang Phra, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Sak Yant Tattoo are hand-etched onto the skin using ancient geometric designs mixed with Buddhist prayers. They are believed to give the wearer magic powers associated with healing, luck, strength, and protection against evil. It has been around for over 2000 years, originally tattooed by monks to warriors seeking protection.
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In Thai tradition, the Sak Yant Hah Taew (5 Row Yantra) holds a deep and personal meaning in each row, tailored for the individual by the artist. In mine, the first row prevents unjust punishment, the second reverses bad fortune, the third protects against black magic and curses, the fourth energizes good luck and success, and the fifth row boosts the fourth while also providing increased charisma (not that I need it!).
Khmer Sak Yon
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Sak Yon (Sak Yant in Thai) are typically a combination of Buddhist and Hindu sacred images, Pali script, Buddhist Sutras, sacred geometry, and other unique symbols and designs. It has been a traditional spiritual practice of Cambodians even before the Angkor Wat was built. And, like the Thai Sak Yant it is believed to be magical if the rules that goes with it is respected.
Cambodians traditionally have a personal reason for getting a Sak Yon tattoo. For protection, luck, charm, health or any number of other purposes. Myself, I choose a Sak Yon to attract more happiness into my life. Because you can never go wrong with more happiness :)