Tattoos of Indochina: Supernatural Mysteries of the Flesh

Article © 2010 Lars Krutak

One Magical Family

Across Indochina, individuals who own magical tattoos operate with a set of assumptions about the nature of the world, the beings and forces within it, and the ways these realms are interrelated. And whether a devotee seeks protection, strength, influence, or invulnerability, the culture of religious tattooing practice forms an integrated system of ideas and propositions that is used to interpret the world and organize daily actions.

Notwithstanding, contemporary interest in the amuletic art of tattooing is not only related to religious belief but also uncertainty. Even though modernization, technology, and Western medicine have eroded traditional customs in many areas, stories continue to circulate about the hidden forces behind magical tattoos that ensure safety, social security, and feelings of well-being among members of the tattoo community. This reminds me of a statement that a Buddhist arjan made to me after he tattooed my back with protective designs. “Those who have magic tattoos are a family, helping each other. Now you will forever be linked to all of these men who have worn these tattoos for thousands of years.” 

Literature

Bezacier, L. (1943). “Note sure quelques tatouages des Moï  ‹‹Ka-tu››.” Institut Indochinois pour l’Étude de L’Homme Bulletins et Travaux 5(2): 117-124. -(1951). “Interprétation du tatouage frontal des Moi Ka-tu.” Bulletin de la société de Études Indochinoise XXVI: 39-51.

Bock, C. (1885). “Le tatouage au Laos Occidental.” Revue D’Ethnographie  3:259-261.

Laukien, M. (2004). “Vanishing Facial Tattoos of Laos.” Skin and Ink Magazine 5: 26-28. May.
―(2007). “Letter from Mrauk-U.” Skin and Ink Magazine 10: 24-26. October.
―(2009). “Letter from Mang, Vietnam.” Skin and Ink Magazine 7: 28-30.

McCabe, M. (2002). Tattoos of Indochina: Magic, Devotion & Protection. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.

Nguyên, N.X. (1942). “Contribution à l’Étude des tatouages au Laos.” Institut Indochinois pour l’Étude de L’Homme Bulletins et Travaux 4(2): 99-112.

Singer, N.F. (1988). “Tattoo Weights from Burma.” Arts of Asia 18(2): 70-79.

Tannenbaum, N. (1987). “Tattoos: Invulnerability and Power in Shan Cosmology.” American Ethnologist 14(4): 693-711.

Terwiel, B.J. (1979). “Tattooing in Thailand’s History.” Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland 2: 156-166.

Tuan, L.A. (2004). "An Investigation into the Changes in Meaning of the Padil Yaya Symbol in the Katu Culture." Viet Nam Social Sciences 104(6): 45-60.

Yoe, S. [J.G. Scott] (1896). The Burman: His Life and Notions. London: Macmillan & Co.

Back to Starting Page | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Museum photo gallery of the images on this page may be seen here.