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Old Thai style tattoo or Sak Yant is believed to give the wearer magic power associated with healing, luck, strength, and protection against evils. Traditional Thai tattooing is normally performed by magic practitioners, and Buddhist monks, traditionally with a metal rod sharpened to a point.
Belief
editIt’s quite difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of this art as it’s so old and the history has almost been lost. Many countries have claimed to the birth of this ancient art, but it’s believed to have originated from the Khmer period approximately or at least 2000 years ago.
Tattoo is believed to offer protection, and other benefits have been recorded everywhere throughout both mainland Southeast Asia and as far south as Indonesia and the Philippines. Over the centuries the tradition has spread to what is now Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and parts of Myanmar.
Tattooing with bamboo began in the Buddhist temples where monks received religious texts tattooed by grand master monks for protection. Throughout Thai history, soldiers have visited temples to be tattooed by monks and receive blessing from tattoo.
How to Tattoo
editThe implement used for the tattoo is a pole with needle nearly a meter long and as the monks do their work, the chanting begins until the tattoo is finished. One hand directs the needle, while the other hand drives the needle in and out of the skin at a round two to three times per second. The series of dots in the skin connect to resemble a tapestry. Bamboo tattooing is extremely painful, but is considered worthwhile as it’s believed to make the barer invincible.
Another technique involves the tattooist’s rubbing ink into the wound after the needle has penetrated the skin, while at the same time a prayer is said to impregnate the charm with its spiritual power.
Types and Meaning
editThere are many traditional types and designs of old Thai tattoos, but some of the most well-known and popular include:
- Ong Phra (Thai: องค์พระ; translation: Buddha's body) - This is one of the most commonly used elements in traditional Thai tattooing but can also be a more complex standalone design. It's meant to provide insight, guidance, illumination, etc.
- Ha-thaeo (Thai: ห้าแถว; translation: five rows) - This pattern is typically tattooed on the back left shoulder. Each of the five lines relates to a different blessing for success and good luck.
- Kao-yot (Thai: เก้ายอด; translation: nine spires) - This pattern is typically tattooed on the center top of the back in various sizes and levels of complexity.
- Si-yot (Thai: สี่ยอด; translation: four spires) - This type isto influence the feelings or actions of others and protect the bearer.
- Paet-thit (Thai: แปดทิศ; translation: eight points) - This type represents protection in the eight directions of the universe. Round shape; typically tattooed on the center of the back.
- Sip-thit (Thai: สิบทิศ; translation: ten points) - Another a version of paet-thit, but protects in ten directions instead of eight.
- Maha-niyom (Thai: มหานิยม; translation: great preference) - This is to grant the bearer favor in the eyes of others. Round shape; typically placed on the back right shoulder.
- Yot Mongkut (Thai: ยอดมงกุฎ; translation: spired crown) - This type is for good fortune and protection in a battle. Round shape; typically tattooed on the top of the head.
- Panchamukhi (Thai: ปัญจมุขี; translation: five Deva faces) - This type is intended to ward off illness and danger.
- Suea (Thai: เสือ; translation: tiger) - This type is typically depicts twin tigers. It represents power and authority.