Tattoos are often seen as a modern form of self-expression, but their roots run deep into ancient cultures around the world. In many societies, particularly indigenous communities, tattoos have long been a significant part of tradition, storytelling, and identity. When we think about tattoos, we might picture vibrant, contemporary designs, but the history etched onto the skin of Old Women With Tattoos tells a powerful and often overlooked story.
Jake Verzosa’s experience meeting Whang-Od, the renowned Kalinga tattoo artist, offers a glimpse into this rich heritage. Back in 2009, his journey to receive a traditional tattoo was a cultural exchange, paying with brown sugar and posporo. He recounts how even a young Grace, Whang-Od’s grandniece, already possessed remarkable skill in batok, the traditional hand-tapped tattooing method. Jake’s years spent documenting the elder women of Kalinga culminated in iconic black and white portraits, including Whang-Od, images now globally recognized and found throughout Buscalan.
Whang-Od’s widespread fame, however, highlights a complex issue: the commercialization of indigenous practices. Dr. Analyn Salvador-Amores, a social anthropologist, points out the transformation of a “place-based ritual into a commercialized practice.” Culture becomes a valuable commodity, raising questions about respectful treatment and the protection of indigenous intellectual property rights. The story of Whang-Od, now over 100 years old, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between cultural preservation and exploitation.
Despite these challenges, the legacy of old women with tattoos continues. Whang-Od, while the oldest mambabatok, is part of a lineage that extends into the future. The three dots, representing Apo, Grace, and Elyang, symbolize this ongoing tradition. Globally, practitioners like Lane Wilcken and Natalia Roxas are revitalizing batok among Filipino Americans, reconnecting them with their ancestral heritage. In the Philippines, artists like Piper Abas are reviving patik, the Visayan and Mindanao tradition of tattooing.
The growing interest in indigenous tattoos signifies a broader movement towards decolonizing aesthetics and reclaiming cultural identity. Choosing to receive a traditional tattoo is a powerful act of reconnecting with roots and honoring the enduring wisdom and artistry embodied by old women with tattoos. Their skin tells a story of resilience, heritage, and the timeless beauty of cultural expression.
