Thailand Ink
Posted in Articles, Thai Culture on June 8, 2010
Thailand Ink
By Christian Brazil Bautista
Before wayward pop stars and fallen-from-grace former child stars made tattoos look cool. They actually held more meaning than just being a conversation piece to show that you are deep. In ancient Siam, Sak Yant, the traditional Thai art of tattooing, was performed on Muay Thai fighters and soldiers to prevent them from harm in times of battle. The tattoos are said to provide protection from swords, guns, knives and even opponents in hand-to-hand combat. Much like the body art version of a kevlar vest or a bodyguard the size of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The belief in the powers of the Sak Yant is so strong that Muay Thai fighters cover their whole body in tattoos because they think it would make their skin, muscles and joints indestructible.
Hand Tattoo-Photo by Scott Gibson
The tattoos, which usually contain magical designs and geometric patterns, stand as a symbol of the Thai people’s belief in spirits and superstition. It is so tied in to the belief of the supernatural that Buddhist monks, Brahmin holy men and devout Buddhist artists usually draw the tattoos. The Sak Yant is usually imprinted using an ancient technique that involves bamboo rods that tap the ink into the skin. The tattoos involve the use of Yantras, scripts and the sacred ancient aphabet “Khom Angkara.”
Buddhist Tattoo
Over the centuries, the beliefs of the Thai people have changed, and along with it has been the art of Sak Yant. The tattoos are not exclusive to Muay Thai fighters and warriors. The Thai people believe in the power of the tattoos, which is why almost anyone can get one. It is not uncommon for esteemed members of the community, such as government officials and doctors, to have the tattoo. The Buddhist belief in the protective powers of body art makes this practice as popular as ever.
Monk at Wat Bang Phra-Photo by Stephan Shaver
Tattoo Ink-Photo by Scott Gibson Carney
