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The world’s oldest 105-year-old tattoo artist

Ms. Whang Od Oggay is 103 years old this year, is the oldest traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines and also the last “mambabatok” tattoo artist.

Ms. Whang Od Oggay is a famous tattoo artist not only in the Philippines but also around the world. Every day, every hour, hundreds of tourists come from elsewhere and have to drive another 15 hours north of Manila to the mountain village of Buscalan hidden behind forests and rice terraces to get a tattoo from a legend. phone.

Mrs. Whang-Od is tattooing a tourist.

Ms. Whang-od is the last generation to have tattoos that include the full spectrum of traditional tattoos and is one of the few to remember how they were made. Every morning she wakes up at 5:30 p.m. and begins her day’s work by preparing tools for tattooing guests. She is living “actively” with passion like never before. This 100-year-old woman every day before noon tries to complete 14 tattoos.



Whang’s traditional tattoo

Previously, no one paid attention to the traditional tattoo profession in the Philippines, Ms. Whang-od still struggles with life to preserve the ancient cultural values. After participating in a documentary series by American anthropologist Lars Krutak in 2009, Ms. Whang-od immediately became the focus, sought after by tourists everywhere.

Visitors to the tattoo said: “The tattoo from Miss Od is very different from modern tattoos, it is like a drawing created in ancient times.”

Mrs. Whang-Od took a photo with the tattoo guest

Concerned with preserving culture, the burden comes from the tattoos on her body, Ms. Whang-od is now extremely relieved because more people are known, the tradition of tattooing is also popular with young people. Kalinga noticed and wanted to study more.



Mrs Whang and her tattoos

Mrs. Whang-od was thin and slightly hunched, but still extremely strong. Along her collarbone and from her shoulder blades to the backs of her hands are tattoos adapted from the skin motifs of snakes, pythons and caterpillars – Kalinga’s symbols of protection – strength. In addition, she has small tattoos that fit in the wrinkles on her chin and forehead.

Talking about the history of tattooing in the Philippines, Ms. Whang-od said that a century ago, tattoos for Kalinga women tattooed drawings on their skin as a way of beauty and each different type of drawing represented. for different status among women. And Kalinga men are only tattooed when they have resounding victories in many festivals, especially headhunting rituals.

Tattoo illustration for men in the past.



During the 1930s, the national government began to suppress the tradition of tattooing and women began to wear clothing that covered their upper body. Headhunting went from an act of bravery to a crime.

Students are required to come to school in ao dai to cover their tattoos. Missionaries and teachers told Kalinga that tattoos were a mark of barbarism and this would prevent people from finding work and integrating.

Mrs. Whang-Od

Whang-od has always wondered about preserving this cultural tradition, but the main obstacle is that this traditional tattoo technique can only be passed on to people related by blood.

The ancients believed that otherwise, the tattoos would be “polluted”. Although Whang Od had no children of her own, she taught her grandchildren the technique of neck tattooing, continuing this tradition.



One of the ancient tattoo sketches from Kalinga village

Ms. Whang-od said: “My friends who have tattoos like me have all passed away. I’m the only one alive. But I’m not afraid that the tradition will die out because I’m digging. create the next tattoo masters”.