The history and meaning of Filipino tattoos

Summary

Ancient Filipino tattooing practices, believed to be the origin of Southeast Asian and Pacific Island tattooing, were deeply rooted in spiritualism and cultural identity. Despite colonization and religious stigma leading to the loss of these traditions in many cultures, the Philippines' high mountain communities preserved these ancient arts. The process was sacred, involving prayers and omens, with tools made from natural materials. Tattoos symbolized status, spirituality, and beauty. Today, a resurgence led by young Filipinos like Lane Wilkin and Isla Rhoda is reviving these traditions, reconnecting with ancestral spirituality and challenging stereotypes.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Ancient Filipino tattooing is considered the origin of Southeast Asian and Pacific Island tattooing styles.
• 🔍 Tattooing was deeply connected to spiritualism, culture, and history in ancient cultures worldwide.
• 🌿 Traditional tattooing methods and symbolism have been lost in many cultures due to colonization and religious stigma.
• 📍 Southeast Asian tattooing can be traced back to migration paths through China, Borneo, Taiwan, into the Philippines, and out to the Pacific Islands.
• 🏞️ The word for tattoo in Polynesia often means to mark or strike, or to do what is right or correct.
• 🌱 The term 'Tata' in Filipino has roots in words meaning 'to mark' and 'truth'.
• ⛰️ In the high mountains of the Philippines, ancient tattooing traditions have been preserved despite Spanish colonization.
• 🙏 Tattooing in pre-colonial Philippines was a sacred event, involving omens, prayers, and blessings from ancestral spirits.
• 🛠️ Traditional tattooing tools included handles made from water buffalo horn or wood, needles from bamboo, brass, or thorns, and ink made with pine soot and water.
• 🐊 For the Bisaya people, tattoos like rows of triangles represented crocodile teeth or steps to the sky world, while for the Kalinga, a snake's forked tongue symbolized the guidance of ancestors.
• 🔥 There's a resurgence of interest in ancient Filipino tattooing, with younger generations like Lane Wilkin and Isla Rhoda helping to revive the practice.

Q & A

What is the significance of tattooing in ancient Filipino culture?

In ancient Filipino culture, tattooing was a widespread and accepted tradition that identified an individual's status in a tribe, their spiritual beliefs, and personal beauty. It was also considered an extension of their clothing.

How is tattooing in the Philippines connected to Southeast Asian and Pacific Island cultures?

It is believed that Southeast Asian tattooing can be traced back to migration paths that led early humans through China, Borneo, and Taiwan into the Philippines and out into the Pacific Islands, suggesting a shared origin of tattooing practices in these regions.

What challenges have ancient Filipino tattooing practices faced?

Ancient Filipino tattooing practices faced challenges such as the loss of traditional methods and symbolism due to colonization and religious stigma, with Spanish colonization nearly leading to their extinction.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'Tata' in the context of Filipino tattooing?

The word 'Tata' can be traced back to two Filipino words: 'tatak,' which means to mark or brand, and 'tatat,' which means truth. This suggests a deep connection between tattooing and truth or identity.

How did the Spanish colonization impact Filipino tattooing traditions?

Spanish colonization led to brutal cultural genocide, attempting to stop Filipinos from tattooing themselves, which nearly resulted in the loss of these ancient practices.

What materials were used in the traditional tattooing process in the Philippines?

Traditional tattooing tools in the Philippines included handles made from water buffalo horn or wood, needles made of bamboo, brass, or thorns, and ink made with pine soot and water held in a coconut shell.

What is the significance of the tattoos among the Visayan people?

The Visayan people were known as 'Los pentados' or 'the painted ones' due to their prominent tattoos. Their tattoos, such as rows of triangles called 'lobid,' represented crocodile teeth or steps of a rice terrace, symbolizing a ladder to the sky world where gods dwelled.

What do the tattoos of the Kalinga people represent?

For the Kalinga people, the forked tongue of a snake called 'kilene orog' was a physical avatar of one's ancestors, with the hissing sound of these snakes representing the whispering voices of ancestors guiding them through life.

What does the 'Epi beat' or scorpion tattoo symbolize for the Ifugao people?

The 'Epi beat' or scorpion tattoo of the Ifugao people of Northern Luzon symbolized the deadliness of the warrior wearing it.

How is the sun represented in Filipino spirituality and tattooing?

The sun is a central part of Filipino spirituality and was often tattooed, representing the 'kaluhatian' sky world where gods dwelled.

What is the current trend regarding ancient Filipino tattooing practices?

There is a resurgence of interest in ancient Filipino tattooing methods and their meaning, with younger generations like Lane Wilkin and Isla Rhoda helping to revive this deeply cultural, symbolic, and spiritual practice.

Outlines

00:00

🌴 Origins and Cultural Significance of Filipino Tattoos

This paragraph delves into the ancient Filipino tattooing practices, which are considered the origin of tattooing in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It discusses how tattooing was deeply connected to spiritualism and cultural history across various cultures. The paragraph also highlights the influence of colonization and religious stigma on the disappearance of traditional tattooing methods. The roots of Southeast Asian tattooing are traced back to migration paths through China, Borneo, Taiwan, and into the Philippines. The word 'tattoo' in Polynesia is linked to the Filipino words 'tatak' and 'tatag,' signifying marking and truth. The survival of these practices in the face of Spanish colonization is noted, and the paragraph describes the pre-colonial significance of tattoos in the Philippines, including their role in identifying social status, spiritual beliefs, and personal beauty. The sacredness of the tattooing process, the tools used, and the symbolism of different tattoo designs among various Filipino ethnic groups are also explored. The paragraph concludes with a discussion of the resurgence of interest in these ancient practices and the efforts of modern Filipinos to revive and preserve this cultural and spiritual art form.

Keywords

💡Tattooing

Tattooing is the practice of inserting ink, dyes, or pigments into the dermis layer of the skin to create a permanent design or pattern. In the context of the video, tattooing is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual practices of ancient Filipinos. It was used to mark social status, spiritual beliefs, and personal identity. The video discusses how tattooing was nearly lost due to colonization but is now being revived as a way to connect with Filipino heritage.

💡Southeast Asian Tattooing

Southeast Asian Tattooing refers to the traditional tattoo practices found in the region, which are believed to have originated from the Philippines. The video suggests that these practices spread through migration and cultural exchange, influencing the styles seen in various Southeast Asian and Pacific Island cultures today. This keyword is central to understanding the historical spread and influence of Filipino tattooing.

💡Cultural Genocide

Cultural genocide refers to the systematic destruction of a group's culture through forced assimilation, suppression, or eradication of cultural practices. In the video, it is mentioned that Spanish colonization led to brutal cultural genocide, nearly causing the loss of ancient Filipino tattooing practices. This term is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by indigenous cultures under colonial rule.

💡Anito

Anito refers to the spirits or deities in Filipino animistic belief systems. Before the tattooing process began, offerings and prayers were made to these anito spirits to receive their blessings. This concept illustrates the spiritual significance of tattooing in pre-colonial Filipino culture and its connection to ancestral worship.

💡Visayan

Visayan refers to an ethnic group native to the Visayas region of the Philippines. In the video, the Visayans were known as 'Los pentados' or 'the painted ones' by the Spanish due to their prominent tattoos. The term is used to highlight the cultural identity and the significance of body art among this group, which is an integral part of the narrative on Filipino tattooing traditions.

💡Bisaya

Bisaya, also known as Binisaya, refers to the language and ethnic group from the southern Philippines. The video mentions 'lobid' tattoos, which are rows of triangles representing crocodile teeth or steps of a rice terrace, symbolizing a ladder to the sky world. This keyword is important for understanding the specific cultural and symbolic meanings of Bisaya tattoos.

💡Kalinga

Kalinga refers to an ethnic group from the northern Philippines. The video describes the 'kilene orog' tattoo, a forked tongue of a snake, which symbolizes the physical avatar of one's ancestors. This keyword is significant as it illustrates the deep connection between the Kalinga people's tattoo traditions and their belief in ancestral guidance.

💡Ifugao

Ifugao refers to an ethnic group from the mountainous region of Luzon in the Philippines. The video mentions the 'Epi beat' or scorpion tattoo, symbolizing the deadliness of the warrior wearing it. This keyword is relevant as it showcases the warrior culture and the significance of tattoos as a mark of strength and prowess among the Ifugao people.

💡Resurgence

Resurgence refers to a situation where something that has declined or disappeared reappears or becomes popular again. In the video, the resurgence of interest in ancient Filipino tattooing methods and their meanings is highlighted, showing a revival of cultural practices among the younger generation. This term is key to understanding the contemporary relevance and revival of traditional tattooing.

💡APO Whang-Od

APO Whang-Od is a reference to a renowned tattoo artist from the Philippines, known for preserving the ancient tattooing practices. The video mentions experts like APO Whang-Od who have helped keep alive the ancient tattooing practices for modern Filipinos. This keyword is significant as it represents the continuity and transmission of cultural knowledge from one generation to another.

💡Kaluhatian

Kaluhatian refers to the sky world in Filipino mythology, where gods dwell. The video discusses how the sun, representing the kaluhatian, was a central part of Filipino spirituality and was often tattooed. This keyword is important for understanding the spiritual and cosmological aspects of Filipino tattooing, linking the practice to beliefs about the divine and the afterlife.

Highlights

Ancient Filipino tattooing practices are considered the origin of all Southeast Asian and Pacific island tattooing styles.

Traditional tattooing was deeply connected to spiritualism, culture, and history in ancient cultures worldwide.

Southeast Asian tattooing can be traced back to migration paths through China, Borneo, Taiwan, into the Philippines, and out into the Pacific Islands.

The word for tattoo in much of Polynesia means to mark or strike, or to do what is right or correct.

The etymology of 'Tata' can be traced to two Filipino words: 'tatak' meaning to mark or brand, and 'meaning truth'.

In the pre-colonial Philippines, tattooing was a widespread and accepted tradition that identified an individual's status in a tribe and their spiritualism.

Tattoos in the Philippines were considered an extension of clothing and a mark of personal beauty.

Spanish colonization attempted to stop Filipinos from tattooing, but they resisted, equating it to being naked without it.

Tattooing in the Philippines was a sacred event, with omens and prayers offered to the anito spirit ancestors for blessings.

Tattooing tools consisted of handles made from water buffalo horn or wood, needles made of bamboo, brass, or thorns, and ink made with pine soot and water.

The Visayan people of the Philippines were called 'Los pentados' or 'the painted ones' by the Spanish due to their prominent tattoos.

For the Bisaya, tattoos made of rows of triangles called 'lobid' represented crocodile teeth or steps of a rice terrace, symbolizing a ladder to the sky world.

The Kalinga people's forked tongue of a snake tattoo, 'kilene orog,' was a physical avatar of your ancestors, guiding you through life.

The Ifugao of Northern Luzon had an 'epi beat' or scorpion tattoo, symbolizing the deadliness of the warrior wearing it.

The sun was a central part of Filipino spirituality and was often tattooed, representing the sky world where gods dwelt.

A resurgence of interest in ancient Filipino tattooing methods and their meaning is sweeping across the Philippines.

Younger generations of Filipinos are helping to revive the deeply cultural symbolic and spiritual practice of tattooing.

Experts like APO Whang Od have helped keep alive the ancient tattooing practices for modern Filipinos.

These tattoos are a literal window into the lives and spirituality of Filipino ancestors, connecting generations in a living unbroken history.

Transcripts

ancient Filipino tattooing practices are

arguably the origin of all Southeast

Asian and Pacific island tattooing

Styles we see today it is believed that

all ancient cultures on Earth practice

some sort of traditional tattooing and

that it was deeply connected to their

spiritualism culture and history

unfortunately these traditional

tattooing methods and their symbolism

have disappeared from most cultures due

to colonization and religious stigma It

is believed that Southeast Asian

tattooing can be traced back to

different migration paths that led early

humans through China Borneo and Taiwan

into the Philippines and out into the

Pacific Islands

in fact the word for tattoo in much of

Polynesia

means to Mark or strike or to do what is

right or correct depending on which

island you're on we can trace the

etymology of Tata to two Filipino words

tatak which means to Mark or brand and

meaning truth coincidence I think not

and it's high up in the mountains of the

Philippines where the old tattooing

Traditions have been preserved

although they were nearly lost due to

the brutal cultural genocide of Spanish

colonization the survival of these

ancient Filipino tattooing practices

against all outside forces is simply

amazing in pre-colonial Philippines

tattooing was a widespread and accepted

tradition of being Filipino it

identified an individual status in a

tribe their spiritualism it was a mark

of personal Beauty and tattoos were also

considered an extension of their

clothing when Spanish explorers

attempted to stop Filipinos from

tattooing themselves they responded why

then should we be naked Tattooing in the

Philippines was a sacred event before

the process began Omens and prayers were

offered to the anito spirit ancestors to

receive Their Blessings the tools used

consisted of a handle made from water

buffalo horn or wood needles made of

bamboo brass or thorns and ink made with

pine soot and water held in a coconut

shell the needles were fixed to the end

of a handle and another stick would be

used to create a mapping motion which

applied the ink into the skin the

visayan people of the Philippines were

called Los pentados or the painted ones

by the Spanish because of their

prominent tattoos for the bisaya tattoos

made of rows of triangles called lobid

represented crocodile teeth or steps of

a Rice Terrace which were a figurative

ladder to the kaluwahatian the sky world

where gods dwelt for the Kalinga people

the forked tongue of a snake called

kilene orog was a physical Avatar of

your ancestors where the hissing sound

these snakes made were the whispering

voices of your ancestors guiding you

through life the ifugao of Northern

Luzon had an Epi beat or scorpion tattoo

that symbolized the deadliness of the

warrior wearing it the sun was also a

central part of Filipino spirituality

and was tattooed often it represented

the kaluhatian sky world where Gods

dwelt a Resurgence of interest in

ancient Filipino tattooing methods and

their meaning is sweeping across the

Philippines where the younger generation

of Filipinos like Lane Wilkin and Isla

Rhoda are tearing down the stereotype

that only criminals have tattoos they

are single-handedly helping to revive

this deeply cultural symbolic and

spiritual practice and it's high up in

the mountains of the Philippines where

the old tattooing Traditions have been

preserved experts like APO Wang old have

helped keep alive the ancient tattooing

practices for modern Filipinos these

tattoos are a literal window into the

lives and spirituality of their Filipino

ancestors connecting Generations

together in a living unbroken history

not recorded on paper or canvas but

intimately and permanently etched on the

bodies of Filipino fathers mothers sons

and daughters

foreign

the information for this video was

sourced from William Henry Scott's

barangay 16th century Philippine culture

and Society dictionario mythological de

Filipinas by Ralph Angelo Reyes the art

that exhibits Philippine culture and

history by Christina Buckley Thane

Wilkins Filipino tattoos and Daniel de

Guzman's the beautiful history and

symbolism of Philippine tattoo culture

all of these resources are available

online the artwork was generated by

mid-journey and is also available for

free through the link on my profile