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Introduction
Introduction
For my MeSearch product in U.S. history, I chose to research a Filipino icon Whang-Od (1917-current). I selected her because she is an international icon for Filipino art culture. Ever since my youth in the Philippines, I have been influenced by art and tattoos. I come from a family filled with artists and throughout my upbringing, I have heard about Whang-Od's craft. In preparation for this product, I researched and watched interviews with Whang-Od. One new fact I learned about Whang-Od is that she has been officially recognized as a National Living Treasure by the Philippine government. This highlights her role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Kalinga people. This recognition not only celebrates her individual contributions but also underscores the cultural significance of the traditional tattooing practices she has kept alive.
A Brief Biography
A Brief Biography
Whang-Od is the last living Filipina traditional tattoo artist known for her traditional hand-tapping tattoos. She was born on February 17, 1917, which makes her 107 years old today. Whang-Od also goes by the name Maria Oggay. She is an only child, living in the small town of Buscalan in the mountains of Kalinga. She has been tattooing since she was 15. As a young girl, Whang-Od was always exposed to the great importance of her tribal heritage and the tradition of mambabatok. For Whang-Od, the art of tattooing was a family tradition that she quickly learned from her father. Whang-Od never married or had any children, which is significant because of the Kalinga culture of passing down bloodline.
In Kalinga traditions, every village would have a mambabatok (tattoo artist). Kalinga tattoo culture is deeply part of the identity of Kalinga people—an indigenous group in the Philippines. Every design is a symbolism of status or achievement, mainly for male warriors. Tattooed women of Kalinga mainly signify motherhood, marriage, and coming of age. These tattoos differ from modern tattoo making as Kalinga tattoos are traditionally created using a “hand-tapping” technique. The mambabatok uses a small stick or thorn attached to a bamboo handle to manually tap ink into the skin. This method has been passed down through generations of Kalinga people.
How does your individual family member’s story help you to understand the American Dream?
Reflecting on the life of Whang-Od, the last living traditional Kalinga tattoo artist, provides a unique perspective on the concept of the American Dream. Although Whang-Od's story is rooted in the Philippines and not the United States, her life embodies many principles of the American Dream, such as perseverance, cultural pride, and the pursuit of one's passions. Whang-Od’s dedication to preserving the traditional hand-tapping tattoo technique of the Kalinga people mirrors the American Dream's emphasis on maintaining one's cultural heritage while striving for personal and communal growth. Despite the pressures of modernization and the decline of traditional practices, Whang-Od remained committed to her craft.
Whang-Od’s recognition as a National Living Treasure by the Philippine government underscores the importance of celebrating and honoring individuals who contribute significantly to cultural preservation. This honor is relevant to achieving the American Dream where hard work contributions to society are acknowledged and celebrated. Whang-Od’s legacy is passed down to her grandnieces, and ensures that the art of mambabatok will continue for generations, much like the ideal of leaving a lasting legacy within the framework of the American Dream. In essence, Whang-Od's life story helps to understand the American Dream by highlighting the universal values of dedication, cultural pride, resilience, and the pursuit of one's passions. Her achievements demonstrate that the principles underlying the American Dream can transcend national boundaries, resonating with individuals and communities worldwide.
Excerpt from Family Narrative Essay
"In Kalinga traditions, every village would have a mambabatok (tattoo artist). Kalinga tattoo culture is deeply part of the identity of Kalinga people- an indigenous group in the Philippines. Every design is a symbolism of status or achievement- mainly for male warriors. Tattooed women of Kalinga mainly signifies motherhood, marriage, and coming of age."
By: Sofia Encarnacion
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