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| Tribe Member Gallery |
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Left pictures of the Mamuli's is the center
of this subject. Other mamuli / ling
ling-o's, although they are fertility and
verility symbols, they also have individual
legends.
Like mother earth, when you plant a
seed of life she will nourish the seed with
fertile soil and gives that magic of
sprouting life and growth, same goes for
the harvest of crops, crops provides food
for the whole village society that is why
the female is praised for such great
traits of having the power to give
birth. The rigged boat, sun and sailor
motifs in this example are intended to
represent the primordial journey of the
founding ancestors who came from far
away at a time when the space
between earth and sky was narrow. The
boat may also evoke the wealth and
status generated for the aristocracy by
inter-island trade in horses and slaves,
which were exchanged for exotic goods.
of this subject. Other mamuli / ling
ling-o's, although they are fertility and
verility symbols, they also have individual
legends.
Like mother earth, when you plant a
seed of life she will nourish the seed with
fertile soil and gives that magic of
sprouting life and growth, same goes for
the harvest of crops, crops provides food
for the whole village society that is why
the female is praised for such great
traits of having the power to give
birth. The rigged boat, sun and sailor
motifs in this example are intended to
represent the primordial journey of the
founding ancestors who came from far
away at a time when the space
between earth and sky was narrow. The
boat may also evoke the wealth and
status generated for the aristocracy by
inter-island trade in horses and slaves,
which were exchanged for exotic goods.
| [ Different types of Mamuli / ling ling-o ] |
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CORDILLERA'S VANISHING ART OF TATTOOING
By Ikin Salvador (Inang-BLUE), tribe member
Dutch researcher and photographer Ron Schaasberg has been traveling in the
Cordillera to document indigenous tattooing practices. His travels have brought him
to tribal villages in Bontoc, Mt. Province and Ifugao. This story is an excerpt from
one of his travels and interactions with tribal villagers of the Cordillera. Schaasberg
lives in Tuguegarao City with his wife, who is a marine biologist with an international
non-government organization.
After being stuck in between several landslides north of Bontoc and what seemed to
be an endless trek through the Cordillera mountain range, Ron Schaasberg and his
guide arrived in Buscalan, an isolated village at an altitude of approximately 2,000
meters. Schaasberg was informed about the mountain people and that some of them
could be dangerous and aggressive toward strangers. ''But this is contrary to what I
experienced,'' says Ron, a Dutch photographer interested in the art of tattooing. ''They
struck me as being friendly, peaceful, and helpful toward my research.'' Being based
in the Philippines for two years, Schaasberg found an opportunity to do research
on the traditional way of tattooing and maybe even get a tattoo artist to perform
this painful practice one more time.
Not an elder or warrior. In the early years, young men and women in the Cordillera
were usually tattooed by an elder who occupied a high position in the community.
The men who returned from war with their enemy's head, however, were allowed to
By Ikin Salvador (Inang-BLUE), tribe member
Dutch researcher and photographer Ron Schaasberg has been traveling in the
Cordillera to document indigenous tattooing practices. His travels have brought him
to tribal villages in Bontoc, Mt. Province and Ifugao. This story is an excerpt from
one of his travels and interactions with tribal villagers of the Cordillera. Schaasberg
lives in Tuguegarao City with his wife, who is a marine biologist with an international
non-government organization.
After being stuck in between several landslides north of Bontoc and what seemed to
be an endless trek through the Cordillera mountain range, Ron Schaasberg and his
guide arrived in Buscalan, an isolated village at an altitude of approximately 2,000
meters. Schaasberg was informed about the mountain people and that some of them
could be dangerous and aggressive toward strangers. ''But this is contrary to what I
experienced,'' says Ron, a Dutch photographer interested in the art of tattooing. ''They
struck me as being friendly, peaceful, and helpful toward my research.'' Being based
in the Philippines for two years, Schaasberg found an opportunity to do research
on the traditional way of tattooing and maybe even get a tattoo artist to perform
this painful practice one more time.
Not an elder or warrior. In the early years, young men and women in the Cordillera
were usually tattooed by an elder who occupied a high position in the community.
The men who returned from war with their enemy's head, however, were allowed to
get their tattoos by a maingal (warrior). The women would mostly get their tattoos at a young age to make them more
attractive, while the men saw tattoos as a mark of manhood.
In Bontoc, Mt. Province, Schaasberg found that tattooing was done by a professional artist. That person was not a
village elder or warrior but a woman. Fang-od is a beautiful lady in her 70s. She is tattooed from her hands up all the
way to her upper arms, around her neck and parts of her back and front. Until about 15 years ago, she was
practicing tattooing, but because of her age and the younger generation that wants different styles of tattoos, she
has hardly practiced this painful and traditional way of body decoration since. She explained that she learned the
skill from a family member when she was 20.
TECHNIQUE.
This was how Schaasberg described Fang-od's practice of tattooing:
Fang-od prepares her equipment. She puts a pot on a fire, takes a sharp thorn from a shrub (tinik), a coconut shell
with water, and then starts scratching the soot from the bottom of the pot and mixes it with crushed charcoal and a
little water. The ink is ready. She has two sticks, one with the thorn and the other to be used to tap or hit the stick
with the thorn. While tattooing, the thorn will puncture the skin and leave the ink under the skin. Fang-od uses pieces
of long grass dipped in ink, and presses them firmly on the arm so she can follow the lines while tapping the thorn
with ink. She starts putting on the horizontal patterns. Then she picks up her two sticks, one with the needle and the
other to tap on the stick with the needle. The first punctures are made on the skin and the first line starts to appear.
Fang-od slowly but very precisely keeps working away on the upper arm. She uses a few patterns and figures that
can be found in almost all tattoos: grass (inal-alam), centipede (ginay-gayaman), stars (tinat-araw) and the ladder
(tey-tey). Fang-od finishes the work in two hours. Some oil is put on the tattoo to protect it from dirt.
March 18, 2000 at the Philippine Daily Inquirer
attractive, while the men saw tattoos as a mark of manhood.
In Bontoc, Mt. Province, Schaasberg found that tattooing was done by a professional artist. That person was not a
village elder or warrior but a woman. Fang-od is a beautiful lady in her 70s. She is tattooed from her hands up all the
way to her upper arms, around her neck and parts of her back and front. Until about 15 years ago, she was
practicing tattooing, but because of her age and the younger generation that wants different styles of tattoos, she
has hardly practiced this painful and traditional way of body decoration since. She explained that she learned the
skill from a family member when she was 20.
TECHNIQUE.
This was how Schaasberg described Fang-od's practice of tattooing:
Fang-od prepares her equipment. She puts a pot on a fire, takes a sharp thorn from a shrub (tinik), a coconut shell
with water, and then starts scratching the soot from the bottom of the pot and mixes it with crushed charcoal and a
little water. The ink is ready. She has two sticks, one with the thorn and the other to be used to tap or hit the stick
with the thorn. While tattooing, the thorn will puncture the skin and leave the ink under the skin. Fang-od uses pieces
of long grass dipped in ink, and presses them firmly on the arm so she can follow the lines while tapping the thorn
with ink. She starts putting on the horizontal patterns. Then she picks up her two sticks, one with the needle and the
other to tap on the stick with the needle. The first punctures are made on the skin and the first line starts to appear.
Fang-od slowly but very precisely keeps working away on the upper arm. She uses a few patterns and figures that
can be found in almost all tattoos: grass (inal-alam), centipede (ginay-gayaman), stars (tinat-araw) and the ladder
(tey-tey). Fang-od finishes the work in two hours. Some oil is put on the tattoo to protect it from dirt.
March 18, 2000 at the Philippine Daily Inquirer
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| Ladies of the tribe & their tribal tattoos |
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| Professor Ikin Salvador (Inang-BLUE) [1] Prof. Ikin speaking at a Philippine Tattoo Convention called "INKPOSURE" in Manila [2] BATEK exhibit in Baguio. Lakay Ollasic as the guest speaker for the exhibition opening (BATEK IN MANILA, BATEK IN BAGUIO then BATEK IN KALINGA) [3] BATEK EXHIBIT IN BONTOC [4]Article of John Sabado an artist from the Philippines with traditional tattoos, article by IKIN SALVADOR |
| [.click on pictures to enlarge.] |
IKIN is a Professor at UP Baguio and is also a tribe member of Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon. Designed by: ELLE &
Tattooed by: BIG ROCK, The Speezy Tattoo.
Tattooed by: BIG ROCK, The Speezy Tattoo.
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ZEL (Inang-BLUE) A member of the tribe. Currently studying to be a nurse at CSU, Fresno. Designed by: ELLE &
Tattooed by: BIG ROCK. ZEL's 2nd tattoo is a hybrid of Filipino patterns with a Polynesian twist. Patterns and
Research provided by the Tribe. Designed and tattooed by PO'OINO.
Tattooed by: BIG ROCK. ZEL's 2nd tattoo is a hybrid of Filipino patterns with a Polynesian twist. Patterns and
Research provided by the Tribe. Designed and tattooed by PO'OINO.
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SUGAR (Inang-BLACK) - Sugar works for the Security Systems Department within a High Tech Corporation in the
Bay Area. She's also going to school part-time to pursue a degree in Psychology. Designed by: ELLE & Tattooed
by: BIG ROCK
Bay Area. She's also going to school part-time to pursue a degree in Psychology. Designed by: ELLE & Tattooed
by: BIG ROCK
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WAVE (Anak-BLUE) Patterns and Research provided by the Tribe. Designed by: AISEA with Filipino patterns.
Tattooed by: AISEA, Primitive Black Tattoo - Oahu, Hawaii.
Tattooed by: AISEA, Primitive Black Tattoo - Oahu, Hawaii.
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MARIA - From Germany, she is the newest member of Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon Tribe, with the title of ANAK. She is in
the military as a 92g ( food service specialist). Not finished, still in the process of getting sleeve. Designed by ELLE
and tattooed by Tina at Triple T in Mannheim, Germany. Second Banner features the finished product of Maria's
sleeve. Tattooed by Dan DiMattia of Calypso Tattoo, Belgium. [Photo of Dan DiMattia of Calypso Tattoo tattooing
Maria & Banner of Maria's Sleeve.]
the military as a 92g ( food service specialist). Not finished, still in the process of getting sleeve. Designed by ELLE
and tattooed by Tina at Triple T in Mannheim, Germany. Second Banner features the finished product of Maria's
sleeve. Tattooed by Dan DiMattia of Calypso Tattoo, Belgium. [Photo of Dan DiMattia of Calypso Tattoo tattooing
Maria & Banner of Maria's Sleeve.]
| [.click on the picture of Dan DiMattia to go to Calypso Tattoo Site.] |
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JENNIFER GANATA - A candidate to join the tribe. She is currently a law student at CUNY School of Law at Queens
College, New York. Her hope one day is to become a public interest lawyer. Ultimately she would love to be able to
work for a Filipino community. In general she would like to be able to provide law services to under privileged
communities, primarily in social justice issues, especially environmental justice. Designed by ELLE and tattooed by
BIG ROCK.
College, New York. Her hope one day is to become a public interest lawyer. Ultimately she would love to be able to
work for a Filipino community. In general she would like to be able to provide law services to under privileged
communities, primarily in social justice issues, especially environmental justice. Designed by ELLE and tattooed by
BIG ROCK.
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JOANNE BELTRANO - a candidate to join the tribe. She is a law student from Michigan. She recently came down to
California during the 4th of July weekend. Her tattoo is located on the left side of her hip. It is still a work in
progress. Designed by: Elle and tattooed by Big Rock.
California during the 4th of July weekend. Her tattoo is located on the left side of her hip. It is still a work in
progress. Designed by: Elle and tattooed by Big Rock.
MAIA YOUNG - a candidate to join the tribe. She is an office administratorfor a staffing agency, who manages the
payroll, accounting, workers' comp, marketing, I.T. etc. for the office. She also going to school part time to become
a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Tattoo design provided by the tribe. Tattooed by Samoan Mike of Sacred
Tattoo Center, Las Vegas. (click on second picture to view larger image of tattoo)
payroll, accounting, workers' comp, marketing, I.T. etc. for the office. She also going to school part time to become
a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Tattoo design provided by the tribe. Tattooed by Samoan Mike of Sacred
Tattoo Center, Las Vegas. (click on second picture to view larger image of tattoo)
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MONA BERNARDO - a candidate to join the tribe. She works as a Nurse in Long Beach. We did a small cover-up on
a previous tattoo and added some Filipino tribals around it. Designed by Elle and Tattooed by BIG ROCK.
a previous tattoo and added some Filipino tribals around it. Designed by Elle and Tattooed by BIG ROCK.
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LIZ DELEON - from Kaneohe, Hawaii finally finished her arm piece and is fully representing. She works for a non
profit organization that services at risk youth. I am an Employment Specialist for high school drop outs.
Patterns provided by the tribe. Tattooed and designed by Aisea of Primitive Black.
profit organization that services at risk youth. I am an Employment Specialist for high school drop outs.
Patterns provided by the tribe. Tattooed and designed by Aisea of Primitive Black.
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EMILY BARAAN - She is still in the process of getting a sleeve. Designed by Elle and Tattooed by Big Rock.
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EILEEN TORRES (anak)- member of the tribe. She works in Real Estate and also is a lead singer of Children of the
Sun. Come check them out: CHILDREN OF THE SUN. She recently got her first tattoo started. It is still in the
process of finishing. Designed by Elle and tattooed by BIG ROCK. [click on her picture to enlarge]
Sun. Come check them out: CHILDREN OF THE SUN. She recently got her first tattoo started. It is still in the
process of finishing. Designed by Elle and tattooed by BIG ROCK. [click on her picture to enlarge]
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Sabrina Margarita - a candidate to join the tribe. Established the Pinay Power Productions in 1995, as well as an
independent print zine called Bamboo Girl Zine.
independent print zine called Bamboo Girl Zine.
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BREANNA - A candidate to join the tribe. She got tattooed to celebrate her ancestors and represent that she
has a Filipino tattoo, her own roots. She also dances Tahitian hula and she wanted people to see and
identify that she is Pinay. Designed by ELLE & Tattooed by: BIG ROCK
has a Filipino tattoo, her own roots. She also dances Tahitian hula and she wanted people to see and
identify that she is Pinay. Designed by ELLE & Tattooed by: BIG ROCK
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Painting a Piece of Culture and History
contributor INQ7.net
BODY tattooing, which has been popular among the Filipino youth in recent years, traces its roots to
pre-Hispanic times. Historical accounts state that when the Spaniards reached the Visayan shores in the
17th century, they encountered heavily tattooed natives whom they called "Pintados" ("painted ones").
The Spanish explorers discovered that the Pintados had their own culture and that these "painted natives"
were fond of holding all sorts of festivals -- to celebrate victory in war, to honor their gods for an abundant
harvest, as well as other occasions.
Just as the tattoos of today are mainly for aesthetic purposes, so too were the tattoos of the early Filipinos
said to be mainly social in nature. In fact, tattoos during those times were seen not just as a mark of beauty but
also, more important, of courage and strength.
contributor INQ7.net
BODY tattooing, which has been popular among the Filipino youth in recent years, traces its roots to
pre-Hispanic times. Historical accounts state that when the Spaniards reached the Visayan shores in the
17th century, they encountered heavily tattooed natives whom they called "Pintados" ("painted ones").
The Spanish explorers discovered that the Pintados had their own culture and that these "painted natives"
were fond of holding all sorts of festivals -- to celebrate victory in war, to honor their gods for an abundant
harvest, as well as other occasions.
Just as the tattoos of today are mainly for aesthetic purposes, so too were the tattoos of the early Filipinos
said to be mainly social in nature. In fact, tattoos during those times were seen not just as a mark of beauty but
also, more important, of courage and strength.
This was mainly because anyone who underwent the crude,
painful and risky tattoo-making process would indeed be
perceived as courageous and strong. Furthermore, one could
not merely choose to have tattoos on his body; he had to
earn them first after fearlessly fighting in wars. This is why the
tattoos of the early Filipinos can be compared to the medals
or badges of our generals today -- both signify rank and
courage. Thus, the braver the warrior, the more tattoos
adorned his body.
The origin of the traditional practice is unclear. In fact,
according to Father Cantius J. Kobak, a Franciscan
missionary, "the origin of body tattooing among the Visayans
is as difficult to determine as their descent." However, some
historians strongly contend that an ancient priestess
initiated it and, with the help of her cult members,
propagated the custom.
When the Spaniards came, the natives imbibed new ways of
living and assimilated these with the neo-pagan customs
of the Pintados. This resulted in the so-called "happy blend"
of the old and new in the practices of the Leyteños. Thus,
despite the surge of modernization, the Leyteños are able to
preserve their cultural heritage. In fact, this is the very
objective behind the celebration of the Pintados Festival. A
relatively new celebration (it was conceived in 1987), the
Pintados Festival commemorates significant events in the
Visaya region their traditional dances, clothing, etc.
painful and risky tattoo-making process would indeed be
perceived as courageous and strong. Furthermore, one could
not merely choose to have tattoos on his body; he had to
earn them first after fearlessly fighting in wars. This is why the
tattoos of the early Filipinos can be compared to the medals
or badges of our generals today -- both signify rank and
courage. Thus, the braver the warrior, the more tattoos
adorned his body.
The origin of the traditional practice is unclear. In fact,
according to Father Cantius J. Kobak, a Franciscan
missionary, "the origin of body tattooing among the Visayans
is as difficult to determine as their descent." However, some
historians strongly contend that an ancient priestess
initiated it and, with the help of her cult members,
propagated the custom.
When the Spaniards came, the natives imbibed new ways of
living and assimilated these with the neo-pagan customs
of the Pintados. This resulted in the so-called "happy blend"
of the old and new in the practices of the Leyteños. Thus,
despite the surge of modernization, the Leyteños are able to
preserve their cultural heritage. In fact, this is the very
objective behind the celebration of the Pintados Festival. A
relatively new celebration (it was conceived in 1987), the
Pintados Festival commemorates significant events in the
Visaya region their traditional dances, clothing, etc.
These dancers, whose bodies are indeed eye-catching in glittery colors such as neon green or luminous blue, cram
the streets of Tacloban City and perform folk dance numbers that depict the various traditions that prevailed during
pre-Hispanic times. Such traditions include deity worship, indigenous music and epics. Adding to the colorful frenzy
are the rhythmic beatings of drums, bamboo sticks and other native instruments.
The spectators also await the traditional parade that begins at the Balayuan Towers and slinks through the busy
streets of the city. Much like the golden goose in the fairy tale, the bedazzled crowd follows the colorful parade from
start to finish. A traditional Filipino feast in which everyone can partake wraps up the street pageantry and contest.
Held every June 29, the Pintados Festival has attracted both local and international tourists and helped contribute to
the city coffers. More than just a commercial endeavor, however, the Pintados Festival clearly gives spectators a
taste of the past. It enables Filipinos to savor the beauty and cherish the value of their ancestors' traditions. True, it
gives tourists merely a piece of Filipino culture and history, but it is indeed a colorful, beautifully painted piece.
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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. |
| BONTOC |
| KALINGA |
| LEPANTO |
| IFUGAO |
| KALINGA |
| KALINGA |
Photographed By: D. Salvodino & W. Tysma
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TRACY BARRIOS (Anak) - member of the tribe. Works as a Real Estate Agent. Designed and tattooed by Pedro.
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KRISTIN TANPOCO (Anak) - member of the tribe. Works as a graphics designer and is also a DJ for an internet radio
station called Los Marijuanos . Designed by ELLE and tattooed by BIG ROCK.
station called Los Marijuanos . Designed by ELLE and tattooed by BIG ROCK.
MONICA CUYONG (anak)- member of the tribe. She dances traditional dance. She's part of a Filipino dance troop in
the Bay Area.
the Bay Area.
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Second Tattoo. Patterns and research provided by the Tribe. Designed and Tattooed by Yvette Detera (ANAK)
Kristin's second Filipino Tribal on her left arm. Patterns and Research provided by the Tribe. Tattooed by Tribe
member Glen Fontillas (ANAK) of Maui Chapter.
member Glen Fontillas (ANAK) of Maui Chapter.
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JESSICA DELA CRUZ (Anak)- a member of the tribe. She works for the government as an administrative assistant/
dispatcher. Finally added to her back tattoo, when Yvette (Anak-Black) last visited the Washington Chapter
February 07. Extension of back tattoo to the left hip. Patterns provided by the Tribe. Designed and Tattoed by
Yvette Detera.
dispatcher. Finally added to her back tattoo, when Yvette (Anak-Black) last visited the Washington Chapter
February 07. Extension of back tattoo to the left hip. Patterns provided by the Tribe. Designed and Tattoed by
Yvette Detera.
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ALEJANDRA YEE - a candidate to join the tribe. She works for AT&T Mobility as a Receivables Management/ Credit &
Activations Representative. Designed by ELLE & Tattoed by: YVETTE DETERA (Inang).
Activations Representative. Designed by ELLE & Tattoed by: YVETTE DETERA (Inang).
MARY ANNE TILA (MAE) - member of the Tribe, Washington Chapter. She is going to school for Nursing and is
currently working as a Dietician. Research and Patterns provided by the Tribe. Designed and Tattooed by Yvette
Detera (Inang). (Zodiac symbol was originally there, we just complimented it with a shape of the tribal.)
currently working as a Dietician. Research and Patterns provided by the Tribe. Designed and Tattooed by Yvette
Detera (Inang). (Zodiac symbol was originally there, we just complimented it with a shape of the tribal.)
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TINA ASTUDILLO-ASH (anak)- a member of the tribe. She works as an Executive Secretary for a well known
engineering firm based in Orange County, CA. Research and Patterns provided by the tribe. Designed and Tattooed
by Orly of Humble Beginnings, Glen Fontillas planned the rest of the arm, and Yvette Detera finished it.
engineering firm based in Orange County, CA. Research and Patterns provided by the tribe. Designed and Tattooed
by Orly of Humble Beginnings, Glen Fontillas planned the rest of the arm, and Yvette Detera finished it.
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CARISSA VERGARA - a candidate to join the tribe from Canada. She works as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in
Toronto, Canada. Research and Patterns provided by the tribe. Designed and tattooed by Yvette Detera (Inang).
Toronto, Canada. Research and Patterns provided by the tribe. Designed and tattooed by Yvette Detera (Inang).
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O. Ayes - a candidate to join the tribe from St. Louis. She currently serves as Managing Editor of Natural Bridge
(www.umsl.edu/~natural) at the University of Missouri - St. Louis where she will soon complete graduate studies in
poetry and gender. Research and Patterns provided by the tribe. Designed and tattooed by the legendary Leo
Zulueta.
(www.umsl.edu/~natural) at the University of Missouri - St. Louis where she will soon complete graduate studies in
poetry and gender. Research and Patterns provided by the tribe. Designed and tattooed by the legendary Leo
Zulueta.
| Ling ling-o's - fertility and verility symbols found in the Philippine Islands |