The Real Filipino Roots: How we became...
The Malay Archipelago before government and politics and nationalism started/ consisted of only what we know
now, as Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Within the vast archipelago these islands was
not inhabited yet, only by Pre-historic animals.
FIRST WAVE: The First indigenous people that traveled to explore new homeland was the Aetas (Negritos:
which are crossed with Afro-Asiatic and Austro-Aborigines). The Aetas or Agtas or Negritos or Andamanese (of the
Andaman Island, India), they are the first to reach several exotic Islands of the archipelago and called it home. This
was approximately 15,000-3,000 B.C. (Original indigenous native man of the East Indies and of the island
continent which is now known as Australia). Within these times the Aetas where nomadic because of the changes
of weather and food resources. They traveled through the vast region of the archipelagos. Going from island to
island of the South seas (for instance, the people of Melanesia - FIJI). The Aetas area mix descent of African and
Asiatic roots they came from Asia evolving as a new race of human beings. Different from the present day black
people of Africa or the present day Asians.
which are crossed with Afro-Asiatic and Austro-Aborigines). The Aetas or Agtas or Negritos or Andamanese (of the
Andaman Island, India), they are the first to reach several exotic Islands of the archipelago and called it home. This
was approximately 15,000-3,000 B.C. (Original indigenous native man of the East Indies and of the island
continent which is now known as Australia). Within these times the Aetas where nomadic because of the changes
of weather and food resources. They traveled through the vast region of the archipelagos. Going from island to
island of the South seas (for instance, the people of Melanesia - FIJI). The Aetas area mix descent of African and
Asiatic roots they came from Asia evolving as a new race of human beings. Different from the present day black
people of Africa or the present day Asians.
SECOND WAVE: Alongside the Aetas different and diverse civilizations were evolving faster and more
advanced than them. This is because of the Malay archipelagos many secluded islands (time seems to stop as
primitive indigenous tribes are in seclusion). When the many islands of the pacific were settled by the Aetas.
Another wave of intermixed race appeared. These natives came down also from Asia and evolve to another race.
They were called the Proto-Malays (Mongol Asiatic descent they are from mainland Asia and are the 2nd to settle
in the Malay archipelago). The Proto-Malays were more technologically advanced group (2500 B.C. 2nd wave).
They were sea farer's and farmers, and their advances in to the peninsula forced the Negritos of the land to the
hills and jungles. Although, there were a few territorial fights in the beginning of the Proto-Malays settlements. They
have live side by side with the Aetas peacefully Within their island homes (exchanging information). Both the Aetas
and the Proto-Malays practiced head-hunting and is part of the family Malayo-Polynesian language group.
THIRD WAVE: Third wave introduced civil natives called the Deuteron-malay`s they were crossed with the
Proto-Malay natives with India-asiatic, which was Indian, Chinese, Siamese, and later mixed with Arabic. These
people brought with them diverse influences. They were more civilize and so, along with the Aetas and the original
Proto-Malay natives the Duetero-Malays in comparison was not as primitive. So they overruled the majority of the
archipelago. Not until the Spanish overseers came with there guns and forcing there beliefs on the land. And so
they were pushed more down south area of the archipelagos.
It was the introduction of the 4th wave that soon put the Philippine Islands into the maps. The Spanish fleet led by
Portuguese hero Ferdinand Magellan reached the islands. From there, to make things short and not complicated,
short summary: the CASTILLAS the Spaniards, the Conquistadors (the overseers) did as they do and rape and
pillaged the land of its gold and of its people, to make it there own. Intermixing to become the fourth wave. The
Spanish influence. TO BE CONTINUED...
Portuguese hero Ferdinand Magellan reached the islands. From there, to make things short and not complicated,
short summary: the CASTILLAS the Spaniards, the Conquistadors (the overseers) did as they do and rape and
pillaged the land of its gold and of its people, to make it there own. Intermixing to become the fourth wave. The
Spanish influence. TO BE CONTINUED...
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| Tribes History |
It was 1998, in the midst of the Polynesian tattoo renaissance; the first Amangs of the tribe went to Hawaii not
knowing what lay ahead of them. They wanted to see for themselves the proud people who have been reviving
their culture's tattoo traditions. In some sense, they felt that the spirit of the MANA was present in every turn during
knowing what lay ahead of them. They wanted to see for themselves the proud people who have been reviving
their culture's tattoo traditions. In some sense, they felt that the spirit of the MANA was present in every turn during
their journey because it led them to the most righteous people. It also gave them the opportunity
to learn about the Polynesians oral history and folklore, giving them the chance to build a bridge
of information that parallels that of the Philippines. As the Amangs shared their information to
what they have learned from the elders and their separate researches it would mesh with the
research of the Polynesian brothers and to what they have heard and learned growing up with
the tattoo culture being practiced. That was only the beginning in furthering their dedication for
the revival of the Filipino tattoo traditions.
to learn about the Polynesians oral history and folklore, giving them the chance to build a bridge
of information that parallels that of the Philippines. As the Amangs shared their information to
what they have learned from the elders and their separate researches it would mesh with the
research of the Polynesian brothers and to what they have heard and learned growing up with
the tattoo culture being practiced. That was only the beginning in furthering their dedication for
the revival of the Filipino tattoo traditions.
From Hawaiian big brother's like beach boy ROY with stories about his
tattoos, made tribe members focus more about their own tattoos and how it
correlated with their own lives and ancestors. ROY then introduced the first
tattoos, made tribe members focus more about their own tattoos and how it
correlated with their own lives and ancestors. ROY then introduced the first
Amangs to two Polynesians from Tahiti, PO'OINO and COCO. It was a great site to see
that they too were filled with tattoos that spoke about their ancestors and abundantly
celebrated them on their skin without shame or worries about the preconceptions of today's
society and how they look down upon such practices.
that they too were filled with tattoos that spoke about their ancestors and abundantly
celebrated them on their skin without shame or worries about the preconceptions of today's
society and how they look down upon such practices.
It was very admirable that the Polynesians dedication of reviving their traditions went as far as to
sport so much tattoos just to make a point about their ancestors way of expressing things through
insignias and patterns; reviving things of the past that missionaries felt was savage and primitive
was a proud thing to do. The POLYNESIAN people too, have experienced oppression by the
Europeans, yet they are pushing to regain the wealth of their tattoo culture that was once extinct.
They asked the AMANG’S why aren't our Filipino people breaking that mental enslavement from the
past Spanish rule and join in the revival by getting tattooed with our insignias and sacred patterns?
We read so much in books that the Filipino people where very much tattooed in the past but none
sport so much tattoos just to make a point about their ancestors way of expressing things through
insignias and patterns; reviving things of the past that missionaries felt was savage and primitive
was a proud thing to do. The POLYNESIAN people too, have experienced oppression by the
Europeans, yet they are pushing to regain the wealth of their tattoo culture that was once extinct.
They asked the AMANG’S why aren't our Filipino people breaking that mental enslavement from the
past Spanish rule and join in the revival by getting tattooed with our insignias and sacred patterns?
We read so much in books that the Filipino people where very much tattooed in the past but none
dare to step to the plate and brake the cycle. Seeing their
POLYNESIAN cousins, it was a great example that fueled the creation
of the tribe and it's mission to regain.
However, it didn't stop there. PO’OINO started a tattoo shop in Waikiki,
Oahu called NEW TRIBAL TATTOOS, which brought the very talented
POLYNESIAN cousins, it was a great example that fueled the creation
of the tribe and it's mission to regain.
However, it didn't stop there. PO’OINO started a tattoo shop in Waikiki,
Oahu called NEW TRIBAL TATTOOS, which brought the very talented
likes of AISEA TOETU'U and Filipino brother ORLY LOCQUIAO from San Jose; they became the TRIBES great
friends. NEW TRIBAL TATTOO wanted to practice contemporary tribal tattoos, paralleling traditional tattoo designs
of the old and weaving it to the person of today. It was a foundation filled with cultural sources.
friends. NEW TRIBAL TATTOO wanted to practice contemporary tribal tattoos, paralleling traditional tattoo designs
of the old and weaving it to the person of today. It was a foundation filled with cultural sources.
AISEA TOETU'U was the start of the revival... TO BE CONTINUED.
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| //::.URBAN WARRIORS.::// |
| REVIVING TRADITIONAL TATTOOS OF THE PHILIPPINES |
Sometimes called the Forgotten Islands of Southeast Asia, located as they are off the main
trading routes, the over 7000 islands that comprise the Philippines host a rich mix of about 80 to 90
distinctivelydifferent cultures, ranging from the wild sea gypsies of the Sulu Archipelago, many of
whom have never stepped foot on dry land, to intensely independent Kalinga people, who live in the
remote mountainous region of Northern Luzon.
trading routes, the over 7000 islands that comprise the Philippines host a rich mix of about 80 to 90
distinctivelydifferent cultures, ranging from the wild sea gypsies of the Sulu Archipelago, many of
whom have never stepped foot on dry land, to intensely independent Kalinga people, who live in the
remote mountainous region of Northern Luzon.
| Here, where the terraces are close and the slopes are steep, age-old traditions are not easily changed. The few roads through the area are supplemented by narrow footpaths which wind their way along terrace edges up the jutting stepping stones of the terrace walls and through mountain passes to connect the villages and barrios. Everything, including new construction materials when needed, must be borne on human backs and heads. But one of the constants that are part of almost all traditional Filipino cultures is tattooing, with styles that range from intricately delicate swirling designs to bold and simple silhouette motifs. Tattoos have long been so much in evidence that part of the |
Philippines was dubbed "La Isla De Los Pintados" -- the Islands of the Painted Ones -- by Spanish explores.
Sadly, over the last half-century, Filipino tattoo traditions have been slowly vanishing. But that slow cultural
suicide will soon stop, if the "Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon Tribe" tribe accomplishes its goals.
Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon is an organization dedicated to reviving the traditional cultures and tattoos of the
Philippine Islands. Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon Translates to Mark of the Four Waves, a reference to the "waves" of
immigrants who came to the Philippines over many millennia. The influence, both good and bad, of each of these
waves has combined to create the islands' culture. Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon intends to resurrect the positive, repair
the negative, and move into the future while keeping their roots firmly planted in the past. "A people without
knowledge of their history and culture are like a tree without roots," says Amang Hanuno'o, Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon
member. Our ancestors are the roots on the tree of life, and all the branches tell their stories. The leaves are our
parents. We should all support each other as we grow and reach towards the skies, but so many of our generation
are like seeds that have not been watered."
Tattooing, encapsulating as it does the stories and beliefs of traditional Philippine culture, is a significant part of
the renaissance that Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon are working towards. Tribe members help each other to research
their ancestors' history by consulting elders and whatever printed reference material might be available. From that
knowledge the correct tattoos are created.
Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon members stress that their tattoos are not a fad or a fashion statement. The tattoos are
intended to bridge the gap to their ancestors, and every pattern is sacred. Each Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon member's
tattoos have story lines and deep symbolic meanings behind them. So for a person to copy would be taboo and
disrespectful. They can be used for inspiration for your own designs. But it would be so much better, AMANG
suggests, to research your own roots and water your own tree. "I know of someone who got a Filipino tattoo which
he thought indicated that he was a brave warrior. But what the design actually meant was that he was the widow
of three warriors. I didn't say anything to him about it because I didn't want to embarrass him. His heart was in the
right place. But that is an example that it's very important for people to know that these tattoos have real power and
meaning, and could bring unwelcome things into your life if you aren't absolutely sure what they stand for, or if you
aren't the person who is supposed to be wearing them."
Sadly, over the last half-century, Filipino tattoo traditions have been slowly vanishing. But that slow cultural
suicide will soon stop, if the "Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon Tribe" tribe accomplishes its goals.
Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon is an organization dedicated to reviving the traditional cultures and tattoos of the
Philippine Islands. Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon Translates to Mark of the Four Waves, a reference to the "waves" of
immigrants who came to the Philippines over many millennia. The influence, both good and bad, of each of these
waves has combined to create the islands' culture. Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon intends to resurrect the positive, repair
the negative, and move into the future while keeping their roots firmly planted in the past. "A people without
knowledge of their history and culture are like a tree without roots," says Amang Hanuno'o, Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon
member. Our ancestors are the roots on the tree of life, and all the branches tell their stories. The leaves are our
parents. We should all support each other as we grow and reach towards the skies, but so many of our generation
are like seeds that have not been watered."
Tattooing, encapsulating as it does the stories and beliefs of traditional Philippine culture, is a significant part of
the renaissance that Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon are working towards. Tribe members help each other to research
their ancestors' history by consulting elders and whatever printed reference material might be available. From that
knowledge the correct tattoos are created.
Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon members stress that their tattoos are not a fad or a fashion statement. The tattoos are
intended to bridge the gap to their ancestors, and every pattern is sacred. Each Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon member's
tattoos have story lines and deep symbolic meanings behind them. So for a person to copy would be taboo and
disrespectful. They can be used for inspiration for your own designs. But it would be so much better, AMANG
suggests, to research your own roots and water your own tree. "I know of someone who got a Filipino tattoo which
he thought indicated that he was a brave warrior. But what the design actually meant was that he was the widow
of three warriors. I didn't say anything to him about it because I didn't want to embarrass him. His heart was in the
right place. But that is an example that it's very important for people to know that these tattoos have real power and
meaning, and could bring unwelcome things into your life if you aren't absolutely sure what they stand for, or if you
aren't the person who is supposed to be wearing them."
For Some of the images, only a surface story can be told of their meanings, since it is believed that telling the
in-depth story will diminish the tattoos worth, depriving it and its wearer of its protective power. Other tattoo designs
would seem to conflict with traditional Filipino beliefs, AMANG says, Unless you know the thinking behind them. "
For example, a lizard is a messenger of death. If a lizard whispers in your ear, you won't survive the next battle. So
you'd think people wouldn't be wearing a lizard tattoo, but actually the image acts as a talisman. Other messenger
lizards of the spiritual world would presume that the message has already been delivered when they see the tattoo
and they leave you alone."
There are different tattoo traditions among each of the Philippine's main island groups; LUZON, VISAYAS, and
MINDANAO. According to AMANG's research, the mountain tribes in Northern Luzon developed a highly
creative culture, and tattooing is still very prevalent among the people who live there. Their tattoos are intricate
patterns comprised of curved and straight lines, inked in indigo blue and placed on the chest and arms. " It would
be difficult to find a man or woman from the interior of LUZON who has never been tattooed," says AMANG. " But
the practice is rapidly disappearing as many people are now discarding their old traditions in favor of the new."
The Men of the VISAYAS, the people called PINTADOS by the Spaniards, tend to tattoo their entire bodies. The
women only tattoo their hands. Both sexes get inked at an early age, as it's believed that the younger child
begins to get tattoos, the easier he or she will find the experience." Visayas tattoos are extremely elaborate, they
look like complicated etchings," said AMANG. " They leave only their wrists and feet bare of ink. Basically what
they do is cut the designs into the skin and then press soot or ashes into the wound."
Traditional Filipino women get tattooed to enhance their beauty. Men's tattoos are markers of their age,
accomplishments, and tribal seniority. Some tribes believe that tattoos have magical qualities, particularly images of
scorpions, centipedes, snakes, and boats, all of which have especially deep significance to the people who wear
these tattoos.
in-depth story will diminish the tattoos worth, depriving it and its wearer of its protective power. Other tattoo designs
would seem to conflict with traditional Filipino beliefs, AMANG says, Unless you know the thinking behind them. "
For example, a lizard is a messenger of death. If a lizard whispers in your ear, you won't survive the next battle. So
you'd think people wouldn't be wearing a lizard tattoo, but actually the image acts as a talisman. Other messenger
lizards of the spiritual world would presume that the message has already been delivered when they see the tattoo
and they leave you alone."
There are different tattoo traditions among each of the Philippine's main island groups; LUZON, VISAYAS, and
MINDANAO. According to AMANG's research, the mountain tribes in Northern Luzon developed a highly
creative culture, and tattooing is still very prevalent among the people who live there. Their tattoos are intricate
patterns comprised of curved and straight lines, inked in indigo blue and placed on the chest and arms. " It would
be difficult to find a man or woman from the interior of LUZON who has never been tattooed," says AMANG. " But
the practice is rapidly disappearing as many people are now discarding their old traditions in favor of the new."
The Men of the VISAYAS, the people called PINTADOS by the Spaniards, tend to tattoo their entire bodies. The
women only tattoo their hands. Both sexes get inked at an early age, as it's believed that the younger child
begins to get tattoos, the easier he or she will find the experience." Visayas tattoos are extremely elaborate, they
look like complicated etchings," said AMANG. " They leave only their wrists and feet bare of ink. Basically what
they do is cut the designs into the skin and then press soot or ashes into the wound."
Traditional Filipino women get tattooed to enhance their beauty. Men's tattoos are markers of their age,
accomplishments, and tribal seniority. Some tribes believe that tattoos have magical qualities, particularly images of
scorpions, centipedes, snakes, and boats, all of which have especially deep significance to the people who wear
these tattoos.
The Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon Tribe has about 40 members (then, 100 members now in the present and that
does not include all the candidates to join). Most have been tattooed in the modern way, with tattoo machines.
Some have gotten traditional hand worked tattoos. The traditional tattooing method involves the tattooist smearing
the skin with a mixture of soot and sugarcane juice, Amang says. If sugarcane juice isn't available other substances
such as lard or hen's dung can be used. The skin is then rapidly poked with the tattooing instrument, which ranges
from the pointed metal pieces used by the PINTADOS, to the pieces of sharpened wood used by the kankanay
tribe from Central Benguet.
The Most unusual tattooing device was developed by the Isneg tribe from the Apayao Province called the
"Igihisi," it is made from a curved piece of rattan with four or five pins attached to one end. The tattooist places the
pins into the skin and then rapidly beats the curve next to the pins, on it's convex side, until the pins are deeply
embedded into the skin.
AMANG HANUNO'O recently discovered that the folklore of how tattooing began in Borneo is very similar to a
Philippine tattoo myth. Both are birds, who --as the story goes --fell into a bowl of black ink. Covered with pigment,
the bird frantically flew into a warrior, and began to peck at him. Soon the warrior was covered with little black
marks that formed a design, and the first tattoo had been inked.
does not include all the candidates to join). Most have been tattooed in the modern way, with tattoo machines.
Some have gotten traditional hand worked tattoos. The traditional tattooing method involves the tattooist smearing
the skin with a mixture of soot and sugarcane juice, Amang says. If sugarcane juice isn't available other substances
such as lard or hen's dung can be used. The skin is then rapidly poked with the tattooing instrument, which ranges
from the pointed metal pieces used by the PINTADOS, to the pieces of sharpened wood used by the kankanay
tribe from Central Benguet.
The Most unusual tattooing device was developed by the Isneg tribe from the Apayao Province called the
"Igihisi," it is made from a curved piece of rattan with four or five pins attached to one end. The tattooist places the
pins into the skin and then rapidly beats the curve next to the pins, on it's convex side, until the pins are deeply
embedded into the skin.
AMANG HANUNO'O recently discovered that the folklore of how tattooing began in Borneo is very similar to a
Philippine tattoo myth. Both are birds, who --as the story goes --fell into a bowl of black ink. Covered with pigment,
the bird frantically flew into a warrior, and began to peck at him. Soon the warrior was covered with little black
marks that formed a design, and the first tattoo had been inked.
Sometimes I feel like a horse with
blinders," said Amang. "I am so focused on
Filipino Things that I forget to look at other
cultures. And it is very important to look at
other cultures because all are connected.
Art knows no boundaries."
TATTOO Magazine® - May 2004 - Issue 177
Written By: MICHELLE DELIO
blinders," said Amang. "I am so focused on
Filipino Things that I forget to look at other
cultures. And it is very important to look at
other cultures because all are connected.
Art knows no boundaries."
TATTOO Magazine® - May 2004 - Issue 177
Written By: MICHELLE DELIO
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| We ask that you do not copy the patterns of the tattoos given here as well as the tattoos from our other pages. These tattoos have actual meanings that are specifically made for the person wearing them. Each pattern and design depict their own personal stories of their lives and ancestry, NOT YOURS!!! " Research your own roots and water your own tree." ©1998-2009 TATAK NG APAT NA ALON TRIBE. All rights reserved. |
| PO'OINO |
| PO'OINO'S SHOP: NEw TRIBAL TATTOO |
Photographed by: Markus Cuff
Photographed by: Markus Cuff
| COCO TATOOING |
| ROY |