Notes on Tattoos in Buscalan Village, Philippines

Introduction

Anthropological research focuses on the commodification of traditional Kalinga tattoos in Buscalan village, Philippines, observing the intersection of tourism and body physicality.

The Aura of Artworks

Walter Benjamin's concept of the 'aura'—an artwork's unique existence in time and space—is central. Technological reproducibility diminishes this aura, detaching the artwork from tradition and enabling mass existence.

Disintegration of the Aura

Disintegration of the aura involves:

  • Loss of embeddedness in time and space.

  • Degradation of traditions.

  • Standardization of the unique.

  • Mass availability and standardization of perception.

Basis of the Aura

The aura of Buscalan tattoos is rooted in their connection to Kalinga headhunting traditions. The tattoos served aesthetic, religious, or ritual functions, marking status and identity.

Headhunting and Tattoos

Headhunting was tied to social prestige and documented with tattoos. Tattoos were linked to power, protection, and aesthetic value.

Tourism and Commodification

Tourism in Buscalan commodifies the cultural tradition of tattoos. Tourists seek authenticity by getting tattoos from the perceived "last tattoo artist" of headhunters, Apo Whang-od.

Preservation and Disintegration

Tourism paradoxically preserves and disintegrates the aura:

  • Preservation: Tourism creates the aura by drawing visitors and supporting the local economy.

  • Disintegration: It dis-embeds tattoos from their original context, turning them into commodities. Online presence and social media also contribute to this.

The Role of Photography

Photographs and videos taken by tourists now establish authenticity, contrasting Benjamin's view of technology undermining the aura.

Conclusion

The study analyzes the shift in the tattooing tradition in Buscalan using Walter Benjamin's concept of ‘the aura’ and commodification. Key findings include the link between Kalinga tattoos and location, the role of tradition, the impact of technology, and the effects of mass tourism on standardizing unique cultural elements. The commodified aura spreads globally through tourists' accounts and social networks, transforming the reality of tattooing into a hyperreality.