Buscalan Kalinga Tattoo Artists

We visited the Buscalan, Kalinga to see Apo Whang-od, and to see how the traditional tattoo was being done.


Apo Whang-od is considered to be the last Mambabatok or traditional tattoo artist from Butbut tribe. She trained her grandnieces, Grace and Ilyang. The skills can only be transferred to her relatives.

They are using mixed of charcoal and water and thorn of calamansi for tattooing.

You can choose the traditional designs they have. Every design has meaning.

They will create a pattern before they do the tattoo.

I had an opportunity to have photos with the artists.

Apo Whang-Od

Grace

Ilyang