Kalinga – 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.
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.
The 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
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
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.
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