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LARS KRUTAK

Tattoo Anthropologist

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August 12, 2017

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Previous article CNN TRAVEL – MEET WHANG-OD: THE PHILIPPINES’ OLDEST TATTOOIST

larskrutak

Documenting the History of Tattoo one Mark at a Time
Tattoo Anthropologist / Author / Curator
Humbled to have been invited to contribute some of Humbled to have been invited to contribute some of my photography to the TATAU – FREEDOM | IDENTITY | MEMORY exhibition which is now open at the @varldskulturmuseet in Gothenburg, Sweden. ☮️ This visionary photographic exhibition explores the women's role in tattoo history - both as carriers of tradition and as active agents in the renewal and reawakening of this ancient cultural practice. ☮️ Tattoos are one of humanity’s oldest forms of expression, and throughout history they have been used to mark identity, life transitions, spirituality, and social belonging. In many cultures, they also function as a living language passed between generations. ☮️ On September 2, I will present a special lecture on the global heritage of Indigenous women's tattooing featuring archival film and footage from the recent documentary (2025) Treasure of the Rice Terraces focusing on the life and work of Kalinga master mambabatok Apo Whang-Od Oggay of the Philippines, the world's oldest practicing tattooist that I have known for twenty years. ☮️ If you can make the journey, TATAU will be open through January 2027. cover image feat.: @kanahus.tattoos by Cody Lucich (Maidu) #tattoo #film #sweden #tattoos #women @treasuretattoodoc @Världskulturmuseet
Kayan tattooist and her assistant at work, near Lo Kayan tattooist and her assistant at work, near Long Jegan, Sarawak, 1956. Collection of LK. ☮️ The rituals surrounding Kayan tattooing were diverse as were the individual motifs that were reserved for certain social classes. ☮️ To learn more, see my book @tattoo_traditions_of_asia ☮️ 🏴‍☠️Happy #nationaltattooday!!!🏴‍☠️ #tattoo #borneo #kayan #sarawak
Woman from Mailu or Suau Island, Papua New Guinea, Woman from Mailu or Suau Island, Papua New Guinea, ca. 1935. Her facial tattoos were hand-tapped by a female tattooist who specialized in this work with a "saporo" thorn bound into a small split stick, and hit with a wooden mallet. The patterns were stenciled upon the skin with grass dipped into a liquid pigment derived from burnt tree resin. Facial motifs are inspired by nature including the zigzagging frigate bird motif on either side of the forehead. Facial tattooing was accompanied by a festive public event, and the tattooist received a payment of valuable local items (feathers, strands of arm shells, string bags, and foodstuffs). Mailu and Suau women also wore full body tattoos (arms, hands, torsos, etc.) but that's another story... #papuanewguinea #tattoo #tattoos #handtapping #women
Tattooed Motu girls from "Elavouada" (Elevala?) vi Tattooed Motu girls from "Elavouada" (Elevala?) village with "crocodile head" carving, Papua New Guinea, c. 1940s. The quoted notes are handwritten on back of this historic photograph which I don't believe has ever been published. The beautiful marks (revareva) consisting of various named motifs were handtapped by a female tattooist. Collection of Lars Krutak. Update: Motu culture expert @dietztomas has noted that this type of grass skirt is worn by women in Gaire and neighboring Motu villages, not Elevala. The carving is from a dubu or ceremonial structure and represents crab pinchers. #papua #motu #tattoo #tattoos #revareva
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