Underneath the Skin

There are mixed opinions about people wearing tattoos especially here in our country. Actually, the negative connotation inflicted about the people who has tattoos started during the time when prisoners used tattoos as symbols for their groups, gang language and underground industry. The practice, however made a distinction that whenever a person is seen with the tattoos, therefore he is a part of a notorious gang and a former convict.

Apparently, beyond these criticisms against them, the tattoo on their skin only symbolizes all the things that have been through in their life. Actually, the tattoos are really part of our culture as a Filipino. During the early days, long before Magellan took his expedition in the east. The native tribes of the Filipinos wore tattoos on their bodies to represent their hierarchy in their society.

Alibata Tattoo

Most of the tribes in the Northern Luzon are the pioneers of the body tattoo. They are also known as the most talented early artist in the country. The designs of the tattoos differ among the cultural motivation and interpretation of each tribe. Tattoos are said to enhance the beauty of a woman if she is seen sporting one on her legs, arms and breast. To a man, on the other hand, it symbolizes bravery and tribal seniority and even claims a prestige gained from headhunting expeditions.

Amma Gayyaman
Photo taken by Narciso Addamo

We all know that the process of tattooing is such a painful ordeal. But more or less the tribes’ methods are usually the same except for the ingredients and of course the meaning of the designs. The ink that was used before is a mixture o sugarcane juice and soot. If the sugarcane is not available, gall, lard or hen’s excrement can also be used. Each tribes have their own poking needles used. The Kankanay tribe of Central Benquet used “gisi”, a small piece of wood to which three iron points are attached. The Kalinga prefers five needles at the same time. The Isneg, a tribe from the Apayao Provincen uses “igihisi”. This particular instrument is made from a curved piece of rattan to which four to five needles are attached to the end. A string used to connect the middle part to both the ends. In an actual procedure, the operator would beat the curve next to the pins on its convex side in order to push the pins deeper into the skins. In the Visayan Region, a tribe known as Pintados prefers to use a sharp metal object that has been previously heated over fire.

So, what’s the real score about having a tattoo? The evolution of our culture gradually erases the true meaning of tattoo as an art. I’ve seen ridiculous designs and patterns which is quite meaningless. Although there are still group of people who wants to revive this heritage, I assume that they really have the knowledge about these things in the first place. Because, that’s the main reason why tattoos have been considered a taboo in the society, mostly, people would just follow the recent trends without having even a single idea about it. Just like what the tattoos signifies, our culture is rich in color, vibrant and well defined.

Source: www.apat-na-alon-tribe.com/history.html