The Globalisation of Kalinga Tattoos

Abstract

In the Philippines the age old practice of tattooing is fading away. Only the older generation of Kalinga men and women still have tattoos while the younger generation isn’t interested in tattooing themselves with traditional designs. What processes have played and still play a part in explaining cultural change with respect to tattooing in Kalinga?

On the other hand a group of Filipino-Americans is busy with the revival of their tattoo heritage, albeit in another geographical location. In the U.S.A. the Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon tribe try to revive the cultural traditions of their ancestors by inscribing their roots on their bodies.

This thesis is about globalization, tattoos, identity and cultural change.