Filipino Tattoos: Ancient to Modern

by Lane Wilcken

Centuries ago, tattooing was so integral to the culture of the Philippines, that the islands were originally called by the Spanish, Las Islas de los Pintados , or "The Islands of Painted People" due to the abundance of tattooing seen by early Spanish explorers. However, after centuries of colonization, traditional tattooing in the Philippines now stands on the precipice of cultural extinction. In an effort to preserve this beautiful aspect of the Philippines' history, the author condenses almost 2 decades of research to profoundly examine the nearly extinct remnants of this art in its proper socio-cultural and spiritual context. This includes examining historical accounts, mythology, tools, the social importance of both sexes' tattoos, identification of individual symbols and designs of Filipino tattooing, and cross-referencing them to related designs from the Pacific Islands for a broader understanding of tattooing in both the Philippines and the rest of Oceania. In addition the author discusses the modern adaptation of tattooing from the Philippines.

This is the first serious study of Filipino tattoos, and it considers early accounts from explorers and Spanish-speaking writers. The text presents Filipino cultural practices connected with ancestral and spiritual aspects of tattoo markings, and how they relate to the process and tools used to make the marks. In the Philippine Islands, tatoos were applied to men and women for many different reasons. It was considered a form of clothing. Certain designs recognized manhood and personal accomplishments as well as attractiveness, fertility, and continuity of the family or village. Facial tattoos occurred on the bravest warriors with designs that denoted particular honor. Through the fascinating text and over 200 images, including color photographs and design drawings, the deep meanings and importance of these symbols is revealed. This book will be enjoyed by both cultural scholars and tattoo enthusiasts.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History

160 pages, Hardcover

First published December 28, 2010

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously a work of love. Gorgeous photo spreads. The writing could have used an editor to tighten things up a bit, but the author's effort is admirably comprehensive. I came away with a deeper appreciation for Pinoy traditional cultures.

"The Philippines traditions bear designs that are geometric in nature and could well be the foundation of the tattooing traditions in the Pacific. It is a tradition that has been literally left in the mountains for decades with no outside interest until recently. The history of the Philippines is one of strong colonization, ethnic and cultural genocide, missionization and westernization. All of these factors make the survival of Philippine traditional tattoo practices of any kind all that much more amazing" (from the Forward by Keone Nunes, p. 7).

[Paul A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is comprehensive and gorgeously illustrated. As a previous reviewer stated, a little more brevity would make the text flow much more smoothly, but all the content one could be interested in is there. The author covers the prehistoric origins of tattooing practices, tattoo motifs and meanings, as well as the cultural contexts that influenced each design. Overall, this book provides an excellent overview of specifically, Filipino tattoos that I look forward to referencing many times in the future.

[Eliza Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sad reality that most Filipinos today do not engage in and oblivious of the tattooing culture of the first Filipinos (the Pintados) due to the long term effect of western neocolonialism. Thank you for this book. Thank you Lane Wilcken for exploring your Filipino identity and sharing your findings in this book highlighting this dying art.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book does a great job analyzing many varying tattoos found across the pacific. a hard read if you can't maintain the interest or appreciation of the topic, it took me longer than it should have for how short the book is. A complex piece that is worth reading if you care about the preservation of the historical cultures found across the pacific ocean.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

need another tattoo bad

noteable quotes:

-“the t’boli people of nindaneno became tattooed to increase their personal attractiveness and because they believed the tattoos would glow after they died.” THATS SO COOL I BELIEVE IN THAT TOO

[shary · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh man, the loss of art in the face of colonialism. informative linear history of the phillipines told through the culture (or lack) of tattoos regionally across the country.