In Southeast Asia, Animism and Buddhism have led to a...

In Southeast Asia, Animism and Buddhism have led to a unique tattoo culture where tattoos have practical, magical, protective and power enhancing properties. Animism is the world view that non-human entities (animals, plants, and inanimate objects or phenomena) possess a spiritual essence. This is the indigenous belief system of the people who inhabit Burma, Thailand, Southwest China, and Laos. The imagery and ritual of tattoo culture in Southeast Asia takes its roots in a mixture of indigenous practices as well as Theraveda Buddhism. A few of the numerous names given to the tattoos of this region are shan tattoos, yantra tattoo, katha tattoos, or sak yant. These words imply different tattoo sects of Southeast Asia, but in this paper they†¦show more content†¦Tattoo artists are usually either monks or doctors called sara, meaning teacher. Tattooers are skilled in traditional herbal medicine, as well as the medicine that draws on the power of the Buddhas. They must have exten sive knowledge of katha and they must have access to enough power to make efficient tattoos. Katha are used in every powerful tattoo. They are versus from the pali Buddhist scriptures, written in the sacred language of Theraveda Buddhism. Katha are written out in khom (khmer) letters, or are arranged in cabalistic diagrams. Tattoo artist recite katha from memory before during and after the tattoo process. The particular versus of katha depend on the intention of the tattoo. It can take ten years for someone to acquire enough power, knowledge of katha, and technical skill to become a tattoo artist. Before a tattoo master can begin a tattoo, they must first read the aura of the client to determine witch design best suits them. The yantra tattoo process is a magic ritual, artists often claim to be in a trance or possessed by a spirit during the tattoo proccess. The tattoo is done by tapping homemade dyes underneath the skin. Tools can range from a variety of items such as rattan thorns , sewing needles embedded in a wooden handle, a pointed brass engraver, or needles crafted from nails. Tattoo artists who cater to an international community are more likely to use imported electrical equipment and more hygienic, colorful dyes.