The often cryptic meanings of individual symbols, designs and placements are revealed. So the meaning of the tattoos differed depending on the culture or race of the wearer. Along with the people of Philippines, these traditional tattoos were often practiced by the Chinese, Egyptians and also Indians. The Philippine islands being one of the earliest tribal regions to start the art of tattoos, the people belonging to this region used to have their entire bodies inked with multiple religious symbols and designs. These designs have certain tribal designs which are drawn with the flag so that the flag alone doesn’t look simple. Tribal tattoos have been worn by different cultures and races for centuries.

These tattoos are found on either the sleeve, abdomen or the back as they are known to be large designs and take up a lot of space. (Tattooed by Noel)


We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The Philippines also considered many water animals as important living beings. Since you have so many designs to choose from, you can go ahead and get one of these for yourselves as they all look very attractive and stylish.Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there!Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In particular, ethnic groups have been performing this practice for centuries to mark their social status or accomplishments in the community, or as a symbol of beauty among women.

But they all have their individual traditional symbols that they believe in. Filipino tattoos have been there for ages and are one of the most primitive styles of tattooing in the ancient cultures. These cookies do not store any personal information.Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If you didn't know that tribal tattoos are cool then I don't know where you've been. Though no longer observed, one tribal tattoo artist and the oldest practitioner of Kalinga tattooing is still thriving.

The first book, Filipino Tattoos: Ancient to Modern explains the history, spiritual importance, and mythology associated with the ancient tattooing in the Philippines. Thus the culture of Philippines has always had these tattoos as a part of their traditions.As these tattoos are a part of tribal tattoos and the designs are very cultural, these have symbolic significance throughout their history. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox.We hope you enjoy this website. Keep yourself protected from COVID-19.

Take a look at the following article and find out if you like any of them.Filipino tattoos are a part of the tribal tattooing in many parts of Philippines.

Angels are also used in tattoos, but they are made in either the tribal or the modern manner. Please check out our new article on

... we want to emphasize that a tribal tattoo done by machine is still sacred, important and meaningful. Let us all be responsible and help prevent the spread of the disease.People Visit The National Museum of the Philippines in ManilaDonate your article, news, poetry, photos or anything about the Philippines!An increasing number of younger Filipinos today are getting tattoos (or, in millennial-speak, "getting inked"). These old tribes have come to bear a modern form of tribal art called New Tribalism.

The marking of warriors didn't struggle at…

While tattooing has been a part of Filipino life since before the Spanish came, especially among indigenous people, we're currently witnessing a resurgence of this practice. Buscalan, The Philippines, the village of fierce (former) head-hunters, is today famous for being home to Whang-Od, the 100-year old, world-renowned tattoo artist who continues to ink enthusiastic visitors looking for a Filipino tribal tattoo, using the traditional Kalinga tribe backhand tap technique..

You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Phrases written in the native language are also made by many Filipinos which have certain meanings like, “Noli Me Tangere” meaning touch me not.Since Christianity is very dominant in the Philippine islands, these Filipinos also prefer to get designs like portraits of Mother Mary, Jesus, tribal cross tattoos, and other Christian symbols.