The first image is a tattooing stylus from Myanmar. It has three brown, bronze parts with a deity-like decoration on top who is holding a stick.
The following image is a gray and brown folded book with writings and images of tattoo also from Myanmar. The cover has two pieces that are made of brass and bronze alloy. When the book is unfolded and opened completely, it is 110 cm (about 43.3 in) long. It has 13 folds to close. The book can be opened from both sides.
The tradition of tattoo in Myanmar
Tattooing has a long history and tradition in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). In Myanmar culture, tattoos are called "Sakyant," which means "to inscribe." Sakyant is not just a decorative art form but a spiritual practice that is believed to offer protection, luck, and strength to the wearer.
In Myanmar tradition, tattoos were believed to have magical powers and were used as a form of protection against evil spirits and other supernatural beings. They were also used to indicate social status, rank, and profession. For example, soldiers and policemen used to have tattoos on their arms to signify their profession.
Sakyant tattoos are created by Buddhist monks or traditional tattoo artists, who use a special needle made from bamboo to tattoo the skin. The designs typically feature intricate patterns and symbols, such as animals, mythical creatures, and religious figures.
The practice of Sakyant tattooing has seen a resurgence in recent years, and many people in Myanmar, including celebrities and young people, get tattoos as a form of self-expression. However, it is important to note that Sakyant tattoos are still considered sacred, and there are certain rules and rituals that must be followed before and after getting a tattoo to show respect for the tradition.
Images courtesy of Diwerent
Tattooing is deeply intertwined with Buddhism in Myanmar, and Sakyant tattoos (also known an Yantra tattoo in Myanmar) are often considered to be a form of religious practice. This is because Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country, and many of the symbols and designs used in Sakyant tattoos have a religious significance.
In Myanmar, tattoos are believed to offer protection, luck, and strength to the wearer, which is in line with Buddhist teachings on karma and merit. The practice of getting a tattoo can be seen as an act of devotion and a way to accumulate merit, which can lead to a better rebirth in the next life.
Many of the traditional Sakyant designs feature images of Buddhist deities, such as the Buddha, the Bodhisattva, and the Four Guardian Kings, as well as sacred animals like dragons and tigers. These designs are believed to offer the wearer protection and guidance on their spiritual path. In addition, the process of getting a Sakyant tattoo is often accompanied by Buddhist rituals, such as chanting and the offering of alms to the monks who perform the tattooing. These rituals are designed to purify the mind and create a sacred space for tattooing to take place.
The relationship between Buddhism and tattooing in Myanmar is one of deep cultural and religious significance, with Sakyant tattoos being seen as a way to express devotion to the Buddhist tradition and accumulate merit for the future.
There are similar forms of traditional tattooing practices in other countries in Southeast Asia that share some similarities with Burmese tattooing.
For example:
Thai Sak Yant: This is a form of traditional tattooing in Thailand that shares many similarities with Burmese Sakyant tattoos. Like Sakyant tattoos, Thai Sak Yant tattoos are believed to offer protection and blessings to the wearer and are often performed by Buddhist monks.
Cambodian Yantra Tattoos: Yantra tattoos are traditional tattoos in Cambodia that are believed to offer protection and bring good luck to the wearer. The designs are often complex and feature sacred symbols, such as the Khmer script, geometric patterns, and animals.
Laotian Yantra Tattoos: Yantra tattoos are also popular in Laos, where they are known as "khatha." Laotian khatha tattoos are similar to Yantra tattoos in Cambodia and feature intricate designs that are believed to offer spiritual protection and good fortune to the wearer.
Filipino Batok: Batok is a traditional tattooing practice in the Philippines that has been practiced for centuries. Like Sakyant tattoos, Batok tattoos are believed to offer protection and spiritual power to the wearer and feature intricate designs that are created using a hand-tapping technique.
Traditional tattooing practices are an important cultural aspect of many Southeast Asian countries, with each culture having its unique symbols, designs, and beliefs about the spiritual and protective powers of tattoos.
Myanmar's tattooed Chin women- BBC
Myanmar's tattooed Chin women are a cultural group from the Chin State in western Myanmar. For centuries, Chin women have traditionally tattooed their faces, a practice known as "facial tattooing" or "face tattooing." The tattoos are made using a needle and natural ink, and the designs vary from village to village, but typically include lines or dots on the cheeks, forehead, and chin.
The tradition of facial tattooing among the Chin people is believed to have originated as a way to protect women from being captured by invading armies or rival tribes. It is also considered a rite of passage for Chin women, marking their transition from childhood to adulthood.
However, facial tattooing among the Chin people has been on the decline in recent years due to increased education and modernization in the region, as well as a desire to conform to more Western beauty standards. Many younger Chin women are choosing not to get tattooed, and the practice is becoming less common with each passing generation.
Today, there are efforts to preserve the tradition of facial tattooing among the Chin people, with some women choosing to get tattoos as a way to celebrate and honor their cultural heritage.
