My First Tattoo

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Just this September I went ahead and took the plunge... I got my very first tattoo. Now, since this is the first, I wanted it to be extra-ordinary. I had ideas of designs of what I wanted to get inked. After all, this is something that would be with me forever - unless, I wanted to do a cover-up. Anyway, I've had a good number of designs to choose from and where in my body would I put it. I knew that I just had to get my first tattoo during Dutdutan , the biggest tattoo convention in the country. This year is the fifteenth year they are having the convention. So off I went to Dutdutan XV , with a list of ideas of tattoo designs that I want and where I'd have it. Eventually, I decided to get a traditional tattoo - traditional - meaning it is from one of the ethnic groups here in the Philippines. I finally got a traditional tattoo from a mambabatok from Kalinga province. Currently, there is only one mambabatok from the tribe, Whang-Od Wigan . There are calls to make her a national artist - a call which I 100% support. I wasn't able to get the traditional tattoo from Whang Od herself but I did get it from her grand daughter, Elyang Wigan . Elyang Wigan is poised to replace Whang Od as the tribe's mambabatok . The method of tattooing itself is different from what is common. Instead of using a machine, the tattoo is done by hand. A thorn from a local pomelo plant is used. The thorn is attached to a bamboo and a wood is used to tap the bamboo-thorn contraption into the skin to make the tattoo. For ink, charcoal diluted in water is used. The design that I got is that of a scorpion which in their tribe is given to warriors who showed exemplary bravery in battles. Any other myLotter who has a tattoo? Do share the story behind your tattoo in the comments below.