IFUGAO TATTOO

THE ART OF TATTOOING: was and in some cases, still is — very prevalent among the mountain tribes. In the so-called “INTERIOR” or heartland of this mountainous territory, it is rarely possible to find a man or woman who has never been tattooed. However, the practice is rapidly disappearing as many of these people are now discarding their old traditions in favor of the new.

It is widely believed that women undergo tattooing on their legs, arms, and breasts to enhance their beauty. The men folk, on the other hand, do so to mark age, bravery, tribal seniority, and more frequently, to underscore the prestige gained in headhunting expeditions. In certain tribes, it is claimed that some tattoos have “MAGICAL” qualities and, in these cases, designs of scorpions, centipedes, snakes and boats are often repeated. In a few instance, tattoos are considered a curative for physical defects. By covering up the unsightly deformity, birthmark or growth with tattoos, the mountain tribes believe that the scars would automatically vanish.

The male IFUGAO, on the other hand, would tattoo most of his whole body. An older IFUGAO would have himself tattooed on his chest, arms, legs, neck and shoulders but will not tattoo his face, buttocks or feet. The younger Ifugao, however, would tattoo only his neck and upper chest. The main designs most frequently found among the Ifugao are (1) the “tagu” (man) on the center of the chest; (2) the “kinahu” (dog), Also on the chest, but occasionally on the cheeks; (3) the “ginawang” (eagle), on the chest and shoulders; (4) the “ginayaman” (centipede), all over; and (5) the “kinilat” (lightning) on the neck, shoulders and lower chest. Various designs of grass plants are popular and can be found on the neck, throat, forehead, hands, arms and thighs. One strange leaf patterns that is a re-occurring motif on the forearms of the Ifugao men. It cannot be found among the people of any other Philippine tribe.