Tribal Kalinga tattoos

bigcave_381.jpgKalinga – Traditional Tribal tattoos

There are pictures of Francis’ mom featured in some books documenting the history of the Kalinga people.

She is a cool lady that runs the sari sari store at the sharp bend in the road by the hanging bridge just before you get to the main drag of Tinglayan.

bigcave_373.jpg All the women of her generation have some degree of traditional tattoos made from charcoal paste and applied with a thorn from the calamansi tree.

These ladies must have been one hot looking group of teenagers back in the day.

bigcave_383.jpgThe men have some tattoos too but not nearly as elaborate as the womens’ and they don’t seem to have as much significance.

The whole mountain area between Sagada and Tabuk has a lot of tradition but the old ways are dying out.

Times change but it must have been quite a sight to come into the village 60 years ago with a bunch of topless warrior girls and their headhunter husbands having a party.

Tribal Kalinga Tattoos

Mar 1, 2007 www.dutchpickle.com

2 comments on “Tribal Kalinga tattoos

  1. Emil Tiotioen on said:

    Hi there, great pics & documentary.
    Would you happen to know though what the tattoo patterns represent and the meaning behind them?
    Im trying to get an understanding of this lost tradition as my ancestors are originally from Mountain Province.
    thanks for your time.

  2. dutchpickle on said:

    Hi Emil,

    A common design on the sleeve represents a fern leaf.

    Most others, I do not know. I suggest making a trip up there for a few days and hiring a Kalinga speaking guide to take you around and ask.

    Francis Pa In is the top authority on this area. Find him in Bontoc, usually at the Churya-a Hotel.

    This generation is fading quickly, so don’t wait too long!

    dp

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