Kabunian did not only bless Cordillerans with exquisite culture but with exceptional talents and skills as well. The hardy mountain tribesmen possess one of the nation’s most colorful and unique artistic traditions.

One of the most notable Cordilleran traditions is tattooing. In an episode of Discovery Channel’s “Tattoo Hunter,” anthropologist Lars Krutak trekked the mountains of the Cordillera to learn more about the Kalinga tattoos. He found a Kalinga mambabatok (tattoo artist), the 90-year-old woman, Whang Od – the last of her trade.

Getting It Done

Before a tattooing takes place, certain principles should be observed, both by the tattoo artist and the one to be tattooed. In the “Tattoo Hunter” episode, Whang Od did not drink any alcohol. This is because, according to her, the tattoo would be infected and the person receiving the tattoo may die. Likewise, if anyone sneezes before or during the process, a spirit will delay the process.

The ink was derived from soot produced by resinous wood (such as pine which is the most abundant) and was diluted in water. At times, sugarcane juice is used, according to the article “Tattoo Art” by Caroline Kennedy-Cabrera published in Philippine Heritage.

There are variations in the instrument used for puncturing but, basically, there are two: the puncturing tool and a short wood used to tap it. In the “Tattoo Hunter,” Whang Od used a short bamboo stick edged with an orange suit.

Whang Od chanted before drawing the first blood. This, according to her, prevents any spirit from harming the one being tattooed. Then the sharp-needled tool was positioned on the skin with one hand. The other hand taps the short wood. The tapping was done rapidly with excellent control at about a hundred taps per minute. After the tapping, nore ink was applied on the punctures.

Of Aesthetics, Status, and Glory of War
One of the obvious reasons for getting a tattoo is for aesthetics. It is known that women before get tattoos to enhance their beauty. Accordingly, women with tattoos gave them an edge in attracting bachelor warriors than those who had none.

On the other hand, men got tattooed to mark their status in the community and prestige in battles. Men before got their first cut after joining a successful war party.

Generally, the more elaborate tattoos a man had, the more he was feared as well as respected for his feats. It is therefore a great source of pride for the other members of the community to be associated with the “marked men.” They share the privilege of being feared by other communities as well as the sense of security.

Magical Powers
Similar to other tattooing ethnicities, Cordilleran tattooing is often related to the supernatural and is considered a serious religious experience.

According to Krutak’s studies, generally, Cordillerans believe that flowing blood attracts anitos (or spirits) which could protect or destroy the community unless proper sacrifices and rituals are made.

For example, among the Ifugaos, the centipede tattoos were believed to have served as powerful spiritual guides that led headhunters in their quest for “human trophies.”

Among the Kalingas, most of their tattoos were believed to be protective and spiritually charged. A cruciform between the eyes served as a protective symbol while three marks on the neck part provided preventive therapy against goiter. Other simple markings such as dots or crisscrossing lines had magical effects that prevented illnesses such as tumors.

In the case of Whang Od, before, she created tattoos which induced fertility and positive vibrations that enabled warriors to defeat their enemies. Such tattoos also aimed to protect individuals from unseen enemies or illnesses cast by evil spirits, according to her.

In all the Cordilleran tattoo designs, there is a common thing – they were all drawn from nature.

At present, only few have these traditional marks.

“It is a cultural practice that is rapidly dying. And unless some sort of tattoo revival occurs in the near future, traditional tattooing in the Cordillera will certainly vanish forever,” wrote anthropologist Ikin Salvador based in the University of the Philippines – Baguio (UP-Baguio).

As an Igorot, one must have knowledge on the history of his people and culture. For it is by knowing your roots that you establish your identity as a Filipino – as an Igorot.

Aside from traditional tattoos, there are many other unique heritages that are slowly vanishing but by taking the responsibility of reviving them, we can save them from reaching the brink of oblivion.