The Philippines is reviving its centuries-old “batok” tattooing traditions by incorporating them into anthropology and history programs. At the University of the Philippines, researchers collaborate with indigenous elders, documenting symbolic patterns once used to signify bravery, milestones, and beauty.
Students not only study the history but also participate in workshops that highlight how tattoos connect to identity and heritage. This academic recognition is ensuring that the country’s tattoo culture, nearly lost to colonization, continues to be respected and celebrated.
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