Notes on Filipino Tattoo Ceremony: Batok

Introduction

Tattoos have significant meaning, especially within Filipino culture.
Katz Sandoval discusses the ancient art of tattoos and their deep roots in Filipino heritage.

Definition: Batok is an indigenous form of tattooing in the Philippines, dating back over a thousand years.
Cultural Significance: It is considered a spiritual ritual that connects individuals to their ancestors and heritage.
Technique:
- Involves tapping ink (made of charcoal soot) onto the skin.
- Utilizes ancient tools such as bamboo sticks, thorns, or bones.
Spiritual Rituals:
- Practiced by the tattoo artist, Natalia Rojas, who incorporates prayers and oral histories into the process.
- Each tattoo has symbolic meaning tied to tribal roots, referred to as "ancestral markings."

Pre-Colonial Practices: The practice flourished before Spanish colonization, which began in 1565.
Population: There are approximately 14 to 17 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines, many of whom had tattoos to represent their tribes.
Decline of Practice: The introduction of Christianity and colonization led to a decline in the practice of Batok.

Only a few Batok practitioners remain today, including notable artist Apple Wang, who gained recognition at 106 years old by appearing on the cover of Vogue.

Symbol of Heritage: Wearing ancestral markings signifies a connection to one's heritage and a reminder of not being fully colonized.
Navigating Modernity: These markings serve as a guide to navigate the modern world with ancestral wisdom.

Rojas is selective when it comes to non-Filipinos getting Batok tattoos, as they hold specific tribal significance.
Criteria for Non-Filipinos:
- Must be married to a Filipino or have significantly contributed to the community.

Batok is not just a form of body art but a profound connection to Filipino history and identity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating one’s heritage in contemporary society.