Far from simple devil or nature worship, Visayan religion was an intricate series of rituals and belief systems that guided the lives of the people. They believed that celestial bodies, like the stars and the moon, were objects of reverence, with the cycles of the moon and the constellations corresponding with the agricultural cycle. The Chest tattoo is a Sampaguita design tattoo (it’s not actually a sun tattoo, its actually a flower tattoo which is very similar to the Bornean Tattoo) The Sword is an Ilonggo blade which is the “Ginunting” the hilt design which mimics a Beast head is inspired by one of the Ginunting images which you can find it on “Filipino History. Traditional Visayan Tattoo design by Akopito on DeviantArt. Patik, Batik or Batok, the Marking of snake, lizard or any other design, to learn more about the Pattern. Polynesians use two styles in their tattoo designs. – The first style is known as Etua which has a religious and spiritual significance. This style also makes use of magical symbols, which are believed to offer protection from the Gods. Illustration of tattooed Visayan warriors, The Boxer Codex, circa 1590. Source: Filipinas Heritage Library. By the late 19th century, whole-body tattooing had almost disappeared and was limited to just the arms and chest for men. Whang-od, one of the last and oldest mambabatok: ancient cultural tattoo practitioners. Photo: Lee Photo: Lee.
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- Pop. density. 292/km 2 (756/sq mi) Ethnic groups. The Visayas ( / vɪˈsaɪəz / vi-SY-É™z ), or the Visayan Islands ( Cebuano: Kabisay-an, locally [kabiˈsajÊ”an]; Tagalog: Kabisayaan [kabiˈsÉ jaÊ”an] ), are one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Luzon and Mindanao. Located in the central part of the archipelago, it consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are also considered ...
- Dec 31, 2013 · Macanduc is a popular deity to southern and southeastern Visayan tribes of yore and was believed to be a really bloodthirsty deity, who loves spreading carnage and strife in the battlefields he walks on, taking lives of people from both sides without discrimination.
- Jan 19, 2016 · The tribe has 10 epics that contain details of heroic deeds and significant events relevant to their culture. Traditionally, these epics are sung as lullabies to children at bedtime, while waiting for time to pass or during special gatherings. They were memorized by the tribe, especially by the Binukots of the community.
- The Ilianon and Langilaon were named after the border areas they occupy. The Tala-anding, named after a myth, are distinguished by the elaborate fan-like headgear their women wear during festivals. Commerce and Industy. Bukidnon has very fertile soil; the main crops are corn, rice, coffee and bananas.
There is No Substitute
We have been the go-to tattoo studio with our artists since co-pioneering the revival of the tattoo art in 1993 within the Filipino Diaspora. We are dedicated to preserving, cultivating and innovating the Filipino tattoo with our unique artistry, craftsmanship and knowledge of cultural tattoos.
The promotion of this site is to share the tattoo art, history and business of Dream Jungle Tattoo, operated by Long Beach, Caliornia based/ travelling master tattoo artist Aleks Figueroa.
BRIEF HISTORY - THE REVIVAL
There is a strong resurgence of people getting tattoos from a Philippine design in the Filipino community. It has been taking part of our lives as a new moral, a new code, a new love, a new respect and a new vision.
For many, conservatives from the Philippines still view tattoos as a symbol reserved for those in jail, a dirty expression, and a dying art form with the tribal peoples of the mountain provinces.
Once revered as a symbol for headhunters and their relations, the tribal peoples have since abandoned this expression (as well as headhunting) and lean towards more western ways. The symbols of their tattoos are minimal in documentation.
Today, those who have been tattooed are predominately of Filipino American descent. The 'revival' is picking up in the Philippines between acceptance and popularity. Keen interests in styles vary from American, Japanese, or Polynesian tattooing.
Urban Indigeneos
'Filipino Tattoos' or 'Tribal Filipino Tattoos' were paved by Filipino Americans emphasizing identity to one's roots. The Alibata/Baybayin tattoo was one of the first identifications and was documented by individuals in the mid-1990s.
The first documented person to wear an Alibata tattoo was Rahul Lagura. Specifically, the unifying 'Ka' syllable/symbol which was tattooed on his sternum about 4-5' wide in the early 1990s. Larger back tattoo patterns from collages of Filipino life, ornate instruments to large family names in Alibata/Baybayin have been some themes people have chosen for their tattoo expressions.
Tribal homages have been made with unique pattern combinations from various Filipino tribes. Sabrina Margarita Alcantara-Tan from New York wears one of the first contemporary full-sleeves in the mid-1990s. Aleks Figueroa tattooed Emcee Kiwi of Native Guns then accentuated/improved by Pedro Babugo circa 1998. In turn, Kiwi with his many public performances and community advocacy has influenced the Diaspora the world over to include tattoo clubs and academic organizations. Ed Habacon (formerly of famed Tribal Pinoy clothing company) was extremely influential and one of the first to have his forearms heavily tattooed with traditional Kalinga headhunter patterns which were tattooed in the late 1990s by the legendary Leo Zulueta marking his first Filipino tattoo as well.
More recently, in the early 21st century, adding to the urban indigeneo landscape are a new generation of Filipino descendants that have full sleeves, back, leg and chest tattoos reminiscent of the traditional tattoos that the headhunters of the highlands wear. They are contemporary in design with a Polynesian influence which Aleks coined as 'Polypino' that follows the style that countless of talented Polynesian tattoo artists co-pioneered. They share a vision to spread the wealth and beauty of island culture through tattoos and by those that wish to be in touch with them.
'Fil-Americana'
As people veered from tribal and started Filipinizing art in general, a style that has caught on are traditionaltattoos, also known as American, Western, or Old School which are characterized by its clean black outlines, vivid colors, and minimal shading. These are fundamental to traditional style and make it one of the most bold and iconic tattoo styles around.
Despite being known for his tribal work, Aleks created a Fil-Americana style unique to him that has not quite caught on or has a demand for. In more white communities where there are a cluster of Filipinx folx, independent artists are doing their thing which people may find through social media from Washington to Florida.
Why Dream Jungle Tattoo?
The tattoo process is not like getting a happy meal at the drive-inn. It requires patience, and understanding of what you're about to do to your body and your spirit, not to mention good artistic ability. Distance, time, effort, patience is of no consequence for most of Dream Jungle’s patrons. People seeking to identify with Philippine tattoo art have done their homework. They understand no two-tattoo artists are created equal. They choose to go with a one-stop shop like Dream Jungle Tattoo where they can get their translation, design and tattoo by one artist.
“...just because people have the tools to tattoo, it doesn't make them any more qualified than a person with scrubs and stethoscope who may call themselves a doctor.”
Although people have dozens of choices on which they select to tattoo them, seeking the right tattoo artist can be difficult. Dream Jungle Tattoo offers a no bullshit approach to authentic Filipino tattoos coupled with the wisdom and knowledge of a true Filipino tattoo master. With artistic ingenuity, experience and reference, Filipino tribal tattoos or Filipino neo-tribal (new tribal) tattoos can be designed and tattooed to tell a story of what a person desires in a tattoo.
Feel free to preview our Frequently Asked Questions page for any questions that you may have.
Traditional Visayan Tattoo Design
Feel free to come to Dream Jungle Tattoo for your real tribal tattoo experience.