The Living Legend Mambabatok (Tattoo Artist) of the Kalinga People At the very least in the age of the internet we owe it to future generations to record as much as we can. 21 April 2020. The culture believes that otherwise, the tattoos will become contaminated. I got a serpent eagle tattoo on my shoulder because I wanted spiritual guidance at the time.”, “For me, Whang Od is the most beautiful woman I’ve seen,” said Rajayana. 66 talking about this. Whang-Od, 98, is often described as the last mambabatok. A woman name Rajayana Librojo Fajatin had a chance to get a tattoo from Whang Od a year ago. However, many do not know that there are many other tribes in the region who also practice such tattooing. At somewhere around 100 years old, Whang-od is the last true tattoo artist in the Philippines. Photo by Don Lejano/INQUIRER.net. (Source: Wikipedia) Of course, who ever got a tattoo, will get a photo opp with Whang-Od too! 100-year-old or so, Apo Whang Od is most likely the oldest tattoo artist in the world. By the way, Bored Panda had a chance to talk to a woman, who some time ago got a tattoo from Whang Od herself, so make sure to scroll down for her answers! In 2009, tattoo anthropologist Dr. Lars Krutak travelled to Kalinga to make a documentary about Whang-ud and the forgotten tradition of batok. Please provide your email address and we will send your password shortly. But still very healthy. Get your team aligned with all the tools you need on one secure, reliable video platform. Fast forward to now—these pieces of art are available to everyone who manages to get here. At the estimated age of 99, she is now passing the tattooing tradition to a new generation in her tribe including her grand-niece Grace. Whang Od lives in Kalinga province located in the mountainous area in the northern Philippines and is the last mambabatok—a traditional Kalinga tattooist. Hey Pandas, What Are Some Things That Your Significant Other Does That Make You Love Them? The tattoos she does are permanent and they range from various lines to simple shapes to tribal prints to animals, with meanings such as strength or fertility. Today, Whang Od continues to work as a tattoo artist from her native mountain village. Whang-od Oggay (who also goes by Whang-od or Maria Oggay) is the Philippines’ last and oldest “ mambabatok” (traditional Kalinga tattooist). however the material for the tattoo is the same with which the ancient tattooed warriors. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you. By joining I agree to the Vimeo Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, 14th Factory x Art Slant - Pt.2 : Collision, 14th Factory x Art Slant - Pt.3 : Transformation, 14th Factory x Art Slant - Pt.1 : Globalism, A year in the life of a Matador Network filmmaker. She started tattooing when she was still a teenager, at a time when the traditional warrior culture of the Kalinga people still dominated this part of the Philippines. Apo Whang-Od is considered the world's last Mambabatok (hand-tap tattoo artist) from her generation. Apo Whang-Od is almost synonymous to the traditional Kalinga tattoo art, being considered the last mambabatok. Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here. Filmed in Buscalan, Kalinga Province, Philippines Here’s a video of my batok session with Whang-od Your account is not active. “[My friends who gave tattoos] have all passed away. Yes, Whang Od is the living legend, she IS the "last" mambabatok (tattooer), and it would definitely mean more; on the other hand, Whang Od is 95, she has less control of her strength, and I've heard stories from people about how painful it was to be tattooed by her, and how deep the wound is. Destinations Food & Drink News Stay Video The Many Faces of Whang-od, Philippines’ Legendary Tattooist. Tag: Whang Od Tattoo Designs and Meaning. She is often described as the "last" and oldest mambabatok (traditional Kalinga tattooist) and is part of the Butbut people of the larger Kalinga ethnic group. Roughly 100 years old, Whang Od has been performing the ancient art of hand-tapped tattoos since she was 15. When this Kalinga tattoo tradition first came about, they were only given to men who had killed someone in a battle. In this new Matador Original, we learn about the pilgrimages modern travelers make for Whang-od’s tattoos, and how a new form of sustainable tourism is emerging which helps preserve local culture. The tattoo was done in 5 minutes, Whang Od’s Three-dot signature made me feel so wonderful! Whang Od Oggay is a traditional tattoo artist or mambatok based in Buscalan, Kalinga. Instagram. Going down the mountains after getting a tattoo was quite exhausting, but the villagers, even the old women, can do it fastly and smoothly. 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Keep a bottle of water handy to replenish your fluids from the hike. Whang Od is part of the Butbut people in Buscalan, who belong to … Thanks! 45 talking about this. Indeed, every week, an average of 300 urban visitors make the 19-hour pilgrimage from Manila to Buscalan to pay 500 pesos and plead with the wrinkled matriarch to dip a thorn into a thick black paste of … We're asking people to rethink comments that seem similar to others that have been reported or downvoted, By using our services you agree to our use of cookies to improve your visit. Whang-Od: The Last True Tattoo Artist is a Webby Nominee in Video: Documentary: Longform. Make social videos in an instant: use custom templates to tell the right story for your business. A living legend in the Philippines, she has mastered the indigenous inking art of the “batok” and is a fascinating testament to the culture of the “butbut” people in Northern Luzon. We have sent an email to the address you provided with an activation link. Curious... (I did sent BP my resume, as an online editor, and have yet to hear a response.). I had it done on my right shoulder. Her enigmatic tattoos are the main reason travelers from all over the world come to Buscalan. They respect their elders so much,” Rajayana told Bored Panda. After I published my story about Getting Inked by Whang Od a couple of years ago, I’ve received numerous e-mails and private messages from people from around the world asking for more information about Buscalan and the famous tattoo artist, Apo Whang Od. Whang-Od has tribal tattoos covering her chest and arms and it is her father who taught her this ancient art of tattooing the body with ink and thorns. This rare look into her daily life paints a beautiful portrait of Apo Whang-od, an artist molded by traditions and a Filipino now immortalized by her own art. This 103-year-old woman named Whang Od Oggay is the oldest traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines. Julija Svidraitė is a Bored Panda writer and photo editor who recently got her bachelor's degree in Psychology. Let's keep in touch and we'll send more your way. A book will be written about Whang Od by someone from UP; She will get some government recognition other than the Dangal ng Haraya. Hey Pandas, What Did You Name Your Pet And Why? Below you can see a photo of Rajayana posing with Whang Od after getting her tattoo done. Like what you're reading? This tattoo artist is a well-known master not only in the Philippines, but in other countries as well—every day, people from all around the world come here to get a tattoo from the legend herself. Whang-Od is the oldest living mambabatok or traditional tattoo artist, and until recently, the only one left in Kalinga. Lars Krutak visits the last Kalinga tattooist Whang-Od in the rugged Cordillera Mountains… Tattoo Hunter – Benin: Scarmasters of the Bétamarribé (Full Episode) Lars Krutak heads to the west African country of Benin to learn about the meanings of Bétamarribé skin art from scarmasters who continue to ply human skin for all to see… Whang Od Oggay is a 103-year-old tattoo artist that still does tattoos using a traditional technique Whang Od doesn’t use any fancy tattoo machines – she does all of her tattoos using a hand-poke technique involving a thorn from a pomelo tree, a bamboo stick, coal, and water. She still inks eight to 10 tattoos a day in Kalinga province. Our mobile site works way better when you have JavaScript enabled. “I had a 4-day trip going from Baguio to Sagada to Buscalan, where the village of Whang Od is. Travel Tips: Be sure to have a comfortable outfit as the hiking trail is somewhat challenging. I love how she keeps a tradition going and taught her nieces the trade. Today, the village receives a number of backpackers eager to take a selfie with the famous tattoo artist. link to The Many Faces of Whang-od, Philippines’ Legendary Tattooist. So go forth and enable it. Whang-od’s tribal tattoo ink is made up of charcoal and water. See more ideas about Tattoos, Filipino tattoos, Traditional tattoo. Whang Od house has two floors and is in the top, into a room where there are many photographs of the reporters who have reached Buscalan, where guests sleep on the floor with mats. I’m the only one left alive that’s still giving tattoos. Many may mention Apo Whang-Od from Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga as Northern Luzon's tattooing expert. “The tattooing was not as painful as it was illustrated and lasted for less than an hour. Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app. The main obstacle to keeping this tradition alive is the fact that this traditional tattoo technique can only be passed down to blood relatives. At 103 Whang Od Oggay is the oldest – and last – traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital.Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, reading poetry, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries.You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com. Apo Whang-od, the last “mambabatok,” uses lemon thorns and charcoal ink in tattooing. The villagers were friendly, and I had fun, especially with the kids. Check your inbox, and click on the link to activate your account. The Kalinga tattoos are no longer made according to traditions. Bored Panda works best if you switch to our Android app. Nov 30, 2015 - Explore Claudia Cojuangco's board "Whang Od | Kalinga Tattoos | Traditional Tattooing", followed by 164 people on Pinterest. And in fact, their journey is far from a short one. You can read more about it and change your preferences, Get the best of Bored Panda in your inbox. She is the last and oldest mambabatok, which means a traditional tattoo artist from Kalinga. The thorn is then attached to a 12-inch long bamboo stick and from there, Whang-od will start tapping it … I was in Baguio and I decided to go all the way up north to get to her since she’s pretty old already. Also various foods or cooking techniques being lost. Apo Whang Od’s Signature and Other Buscalan Tattoo Artists. Bored Panda may also want to start a series of vignettes concerning the rapid lost of traditional arts in older cultures. Machine tattoo artists start to tattoo patterns found in Buscalan. Before Bored Panda, Julija worked as a social media specialist and a content creator at a marketing agency. I was marked by a Tattoo Goddess! The Bored Panda iOS app is live! As 2020 Is Almost Over, What Was Your Biggest Accomplishment And What Will Be Your 2021 Resolution. Overall, a fun and humbling experience!”. However, some tattoos on her body were done by her late father. Whang-od Oggay (First name pronunciation: [ˈɸɐŋˈʔɘd]; [check IPA] born February 17, 1917), also known as Maria Oggay, is a Filipino tattoo artist from Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines. Canoe carving in Papua's highlands? The Living Legend Mambabatok (Tattoo Artist) of the Kalinga People Herding techniques of Arctic Siberia? While she was still young, Whang-Od used to tattoo her friends including herself for practice. Whang-Od denied this and said she just didn’t want to turn people away by taking time to rest. The 102-year-old artist applies permanent hand-tapped tattoos (a concoction made from pine soot and water) with a few simple tools: a bamboo stick, a thorn from the pomelo tree, water and coal. But I’m not afraid that the tradition will end because [I’m training] the next tattoo masters,” the tattooist told CNN. I am glad that tattoo enthusiasts have found their way to Buscalan and have received their precious ink. Whang Od Oggay, who is roughly 100, a traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines. The artist is often as fascinating as the art. A few will attempt to hand-tap using the souvenir tools. I can't understand the current noise over the fact that the famous Kalinga tattoo maker, Whang-od, was in a trade event in Manila.. This 103-year-old woman named Whang Od Oggay is the oldest traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines. Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app! JavaScript please! You can change your preferences. They dance to modern hits from a phone there. Please enter your email to complete registration. Tatak Whang Od! For example, minor languages are dying out regularly, when single speakers die without teaching the language to others. Whang Od is a Filipina tattoo artist who is believed to be 102 years old and has been tattooing since she was 15. Krutak’s documentary was shown on Discovery Channel, catapulting Whang-ud to global spotlight. A closer look at this surreal town on top of the mountains will … Get the latest inspiring stories via our awesome iOS app! She still practices the ancient form of tattooing she first began at 15—tattooing warriors and indigenous women. Tourists and other visitors have to make a 15-hour drive north of Manila to the mountain village of Buscalan, which is only accessible by hiking from the nearest dirt road through a forest and rice terraces. Tabuk – In recent years, there has been a rising interest in the traditional cultural practice of tattooing in the Philippines. 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