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Tattoo Anthropologist

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May 15, 2016

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Previous article THE DYING TRADITION OF NAGA HEADHUNTING TATTOOS

larskrutak

Documenting the History of Tattoo one Mark at a Time
Tattoo Anthropologist / Author / Curator

Lars Krutak
Friend @konyakphejin alerted us that revered Angh Friend @konyakphejin alerted us that revered Angh Tolei passed away a few weeks ago. He was 1 of 3 Chen Naga nobles to possess the Shahnyu yaha “tiger familiar spirit tattoo,” which is perhaps the rarest tattoo on earth. *In 2010, before heading to Chen Naga territory along the Myanmar/Nagaland border, I had read “Expedition Naga” by @peter.van.ham where he wrote about Tolei Angh of Chen Wetnyu village. He owned distinctive back tattoos that were associated with his animal familiar – a tiger. As we drove up the mountain to Chen Wetnyu we asked several people if Tolei was still alive, but we were saddened to learn he had apparently died just months before. Our local guide then told us there was another man marked in this way from his home village of Chen Loisho. Energized by this news, we sped up the bumpy road for another 3 hours until we approached the home of Wingkang Wingkhanpa. Here, we were greeted warmly with a few hearty cups of rice beer and plates of ginger rice w/ stewed pork. Wingkang stated he was more than 100 years of age (!), and his back was covered with circular tattoos representing his animal familiar. According to local mythology the tiger was born from the same primal mother as man. *Eventually we made our way to Chen Wetnyu because I wanted to pay my respects to Tolei's family. At Chen Wetnyu, we spotted a hand-painted sign for the “Angh’s Residence." It was early morning now and a group of men and women were gathered about the kitchen hearth enjoying their breakfast meal. Through my translator and late friend Neisatuo Keditsu, we introduced ourselves and expressed our condolences. *Then, the Angh’s wife looked up at me from her steaming cup of brew and called out, “Tolei, you have visitors here!!!" Suddenly, a man emerged from his bathroom to be confronted by several dumbfounded travelers who, until that moment, had been certain the Angh was no longer alive! *Thankfully, I saw Tolei Angh again in 2019 with @konyakphejin & @michael_zomer while filming the @patterns.of.life.documentary seen here. *Rest in Peace Tolei Angh 🐅 #nagaland #angh #konyak #india #inked #tiger #spirit #tattoo #indigenous #myanmar #heritage #naga #nagas #spiritual
Thinking of you Aman Lau Lau. From the archive.. Thinking of you Aman Lau Lau. From the archive... #amanlaulau #buttui #mentawai #mentawaiislands #indonesia #shaman #sikerei #tattoos @larskrutak #tattoohunter #handtappedtattoo @tangerussell #ancienttattoo #culture #heritage #documentary #spirituality #traditionaltattoo #tradition #knowledge #ancestors #protector #and #keeper #ofthe #rainforest
I write with a heavy heart that the much admired a I write with a heavy heart that the much admired and respected sikerei Aman Lau Lau Manai has passed. Defender of his people and culture, Aman Lau Lau was a charismatic, empathetic, and dedicated family man. And for those of you who had the distinct pleasure of spending time with he and his family and Mentawai clan, you know what I mean. Rest in Peace Aman Lau Lau, may your spirit live forever... #amanlaulau #amanlaolao #amanlaolaosalakkirat @charles_lindsay_ @durgatattoofamily @durgatattoo #mentawai #buttui #siberut #shaman #sikerei #mentawais #protector #familyman #spiritual #restinpeace #spirit #soar #forever #culture #warrior #keeper #ofthe #rainforest
We've been friends since 2007 & Happy Belated Birt We've been friends since 2007 & Happy Belated Birthday Apo Whang-Od! Thinking of you on your special day (Feb. 19)! XOXO ❤️ @apowhangod @buscalan #buscalan #kalinga #kalingatattoo #mambabatok #philippines #cordillera #luzon #handtapped #tattoo #tattoos #thereal #legend #tattoolegend #indigenous #respectelders #elders #friendsforever #hearts #tattoohistory #tribaltattoo #inspirational #2007 #whangod #indigenous #oggay #butbut #heritage @palicasgrace #batok #happybirthday
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