Philippine E-Journals

On the Dying Art of Kalinga Tattooing

Michael G. Layugan

 

Abstract:

This paper argues that the art of tattooing which is in conformity with its original Kalinga signification is slowly disappearing. With the remaining Kalinga tattoo artists (mambabatok) in their old age, with no institution to preserve its transmission to the next generation and with the changing values and mentalities of the times, the art of Kalinga tattooing and its signification will cease to be known as such.