Batok - The Traditional Filipino Tattoo Art
@thelopautheory (27)
Philippines
October 11, 2012 12:13am CST
Batok is referred to as the traditional way of tattoo arts in the Philippines, particularly in the province of Kalinga. It has been observed ever since some couples of years before the Spaniards set foot onto our land. Rather than using needles and special inks, as the modern tattoo art have, batok uses a thorn from a specific native tree and charcoal mixed with water as the ink. These tattoos or batok carries significant symbolism to the bearer. To the women it is the sign of beauty. The more batok she has on her skin, the prettier she will appapear to the men. A woman without a single batok on the body will never get attention from a man and therefore will never be get married. Bravery and valiance on the other hand is the picture that is symbolized by the marks on the men's skin. Likewise, it is a sign of a man's popularity as a warrior of the community. Today,this tradition is slowly fading from the heart of the Philippine culture appreciation. Some modern tattoo enthusiasts don't even know anything about batok. I just hope that in spite of the communities' forward steps to industrialization and modernization, the Philippine cultures and traditions shall still be preserved. Batok is one of the Philippines' riches that nobody can steal away from her. What other Phlippine treasure do you have in mind that you want to be preserved through time?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@rsa101 (38126)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Well I guess I am not fond of tattoo anymore since I am was taught about the bad reputation it had in the past where most of those tattooed people were criminals or bad people. But I am aware now that it is not true at all since they are part of our old culture. But modern times have made its reputation not so popular and only very recently that this practice is being encourage by some groups.
I think this is not a unique practice in our country but in other countries as well. I saw on national geographic that some countries have the same beliefs and appreciation of it.
I guess tattoing in our country is getting back and getting popular again. I think in time it may be accepted again by society. With regards to the traditional way we can only preserve them if the tribes that are practicing it would pass it to their children and their children would accept and pass on to their children as well.
@thelopautheory (27)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Yes, that would be one of the ways that this culture can be preserved here in our country. The last of the mambabatok or the one who makes the tattoo is an elderly woman named Whang Od, she is a Kalinga tribe member and the last mambabatok ever living today. I think she is passing her ability now to her niece, but her niece is already influenced by the modern beliefs about tattoo and the perspective on batok is seemingly already out of the traditional interpretation. Somehow it makes me feel sad.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38126)
• Philippines
14 Oct 12
Well you can just imagine that traditional way to tattoing can be very tiresome as well for them to do. I think it is understandable that they would adapt to the modern technology as well since it is fast and convenient for them to do. I would imagine that for those interested to learn they should start teaching this technique to anyone who are and not just to the members of the tribe.
@thelopautheory (27)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I think so, they really should. But, though they may already use modern tattooing techniques, the concepts that are embedded on the design should still be preserved. I mean, wen you have a dragon tattoo on your arms, whats that for? Didn't you make it just because it looks good on you? The tradition's concept is, why would you imprint an image on your skin? Its because, that certain image represents your mind and heart. Well I hope some may have same tattoo interpretation like this, but I doubt it would be many of them.
@subhojit10 (7375)
• India
11 Oct 12
Thanks for sharing this discussion. Well glad to hear about the Batok tattoo in your country. Yes tattoos has been significant even some ages ago when primitive people used to do tattoo arts as a symbol of respect and tradition. great that this tradition of tattoo art is still present in this era of modern science and technology but an excessive tattoo on the body looks a bit out of place.
What say?
@thelopautheory (27)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
yah, I agree, maybe a mark or two on the skin will do today. maybe an image of something that inspires you or you love the most. do you have a tattoo on your body subhojit10? And by the way, thanks for the appreciation of our culture.
@pals101 (2010)
• Philippines
12 Oct 12
I watch a documentary film about this, it really is a wonderful tradition that is fading away.We really can't blame the new generation today, its because there are more important things rather than having batok tattoo. Also there are a lot safe,cleaner and safer tattoo arts today which is preferred by most people. 
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
Thanks for this information.
I came from Cordillera region, but I was born from the Southern part of our country that is why I have limited knowledge when it comes to my original roots.
I know that tattoo has something to do with tribes and status.
Nice share.
@flyerflyhi (97)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
I also known this word BATOK,, its just a same word and its famous among low middle class people,, its an act where slapping with your friends or person back head,, usually always done in bullying.... ehehehe
