History of Indigenous Body Painting and Tattoos

Body painting and tattooing

are ancient practices in the Philippines, deeply embedded in the culture and identity of indigenous communities.

nativex Les Pintados (The Painted Ones)

In 16th century Filipino tattooing was first documented by the European Spanish explorers, they called the

Las Islas de los Pintados

The Island of the Painted one's s what the Spaniards called the Filipinos when they first arrived in the Island of Cebu Philippines.

Body painting

is a form of body art where artwork is painted directly onto the human skin Unlike tattoos and other forms of body

pagan, barbaric, and sinful

In the eyes of the colonizers, these marks were seen as _____, ______, and ______

pagan, barbaric, and sinful

outward symbols of the indigenous people’s refusal to submit fully to Christian conversion.

Tattooing

is experiencing a rebirth across the Philippines, not merely as a modern trend but as a reclamation of heritage.

Whang-Od

a 106-year-old mambabatok from the Kalinga province, widely regarded as the last traditional tattoo artist of her generation.

body markings

served as an outward manifestation of an individual’s place within the community

courage and valor.

For men, tattoos symbolized _____ and _____.

beauty and maturity, rites of passage into adulthood, or their roles in religious and societal duties.

Among women, tattoos denoted

body art

During the pre-colonial period, ______ was a widespread practice among various tribes.

tattoos

were symbols of bravery and achievements.

•They served as markers of identity and social status.

•Used in rituals to communicate with spirits and deities

PINTADOS" means "Painted"

The Visayans, known as "_______" means "_____" were famous for their intricate tattoos.

the visayan pintados

Tattoos covered their bodies as symbols of courage and social rank.

 •Tattoos also served as spiritual armor, protecting warriors in battle.

early Spanish explorers, painted ones

The term "Pintados" was coined by __________, meaning

kalinga body paint and tattoos

in _______ ______ and _____ are representations of the python snake or centipede and sometimes the rice terraces of Northern Luzon region.

kalinga

For women, it was considered a sign of beauty and strength

 

•In order to make their daughters more desirable, Kalinga parenti would pay to get their daughter's bodies decorated in omate tattoos.

Batok

These intricate geometric tattoos reflected nature—mountains, rivers, and celestial bodies serving as visual records of life experiences

Chaklag tattoo

was a significant mark among the Bontoc Igorot warriors. It was traditionally earned through headhunting, a practice that signified bravery and strength.

First Kill – "Gulot" Tatto

This was the first tattoo a warrior received, described as a handed stripe called "zanem."

  - It signified his initiation into warrior status.

Subsequent Kills – Hand Tattoos

- After his second kill, he could add tattoos on his hands.  

  - The more kills he earned in his lifetime, the more intricate and elaborate his tattoos became.

Highest Warrior Status – Facial Tattoo ("Mai’ngor")

Over time, if a warrior achieved multiple kills, he could acquire cheek tattoos.  

  - These marked him as a warrior of the highest rank,  earning him the title

Whang-od

She is  the Philippines' oldest mambabatok of traditional Kalinga tattooist.

February 17,1917

When does whang-od born?

Butbut tribe in

Whang-od is a member of the

Tattoos

were earned as marks of valor in battle or hunting.

Body Art

served as a talisman to ward off evil spirits or bring good fortune.

Tattoos and body painting

acted as cultural identifiers, linking individuals to their tribe or lineage.