Whang-od Oggay is a renowned and respected traditional Kalinga tattoo artist from Buscalan village, Tinglayan, Philippines.
She is considered the last "mambabatok" (traditional tattooist) using the ancient hand-tap technique called "batok."
Whang-od is known for her intricate geometric designs and commitment to preserving her cultural heritage.
Full Name:
Whang-od Oggay (also known as Maria Oggay)
Lived:
1917 - present
Village:
Buscalan, Tinglayan, Philippines
Occupation:
Mambabatok (Traditional Kalinga Tattoo Artist)
Legacy:
Considered the last "mambabatok" using the hand-tap technique ("batok").
Instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage of traditional Kalinga tattooing.
Earned international recognition for her unique artistry and dedication to her practice.
Whang-od Oggay, also known as Maria Oggay, was a legendary and deeply respected mambabatok, the last traditional tattoo artist of the Kalinga people in the Philippines. Born in 1917 in the village of Buscalan, Tinglayan, she lived a remarkable life dedicated to preserving her cultural heritage through the ancient art of batok.
Whang-od's journey as a mambabatok began at a young age. Traditionally, the art was passed down from father to son, but Whang-od's exceptional talent and dedication caught the eye of her own father, a renowned mambabatok himself. He defied tradition and began training her in the intricate techniques and symbolic language of batok.
For over eight decades, Whang-od meticulously applied intricate geometric designs onto the skin of individuals from her community and beyond. Her tattoos served not just as adornments, but as symbols of bravery, social status, and identity within the Kalinga culture.
Whang-od's unwavering commitment to her practice and her vibrant personality earned her international recognition. From her humble village in the Cordillera mountains, she became a symbol of cultural resilience and a testament to the enduring power of tradition.
