Deep philosophical Mentawai Tattoos

Tattoo culture is still considered a taboo for some Indonesian people. Most people consider tattoos as innate from Western culture. Those who use tattoos are considered as private people who do not know the rules, and cannot be regulated. In fact, tattoos can be used as a means to express one's feelings and aspirations. In Indonesia, there is a tradition of tattoos that have been carried down for generations in Mentawai, West Sumatra.

According to Yudha, traveler owner of Instagram account @catatbackpacker, Mentawai tattoo is the oldest tattoo painting in the world that has existed since 1500 BC. In fact, Mentawai tattoos are older than Egyptian tattoos which only appeared in 1300 BC. Unlike today's tattoos, how to tattoo in Mentawai is quite unique. Penato or so-called Sipatiti will conduct a ceremony in advance with a Sikerei. Sipatiti will make a rough picture on a person's body before getting tattooed. Using traditional tools, Sipatiti did the process of making tattoos. The tattoo tradition in Mentawai uses natural materials such as needles made from wood and tattoo ink made from coconut shells and banana leaves.

The Meaning of Mentawai Tattoos

Although it has entered into modern times, the Mentawai people are still persistent in maintaining the tradition of tattoos. For them, each tattoo has its own meaning that describes their lives. Tattoos are like eternal clothing for the Mentawai people so it's no wonder that many men and women in Mentawai are bare-chested.

Each tattoo is made in different forms according to what they do in everyday life. A native Mentawai man named Aman explains what are the meanings contained in every tattoo made. 

Backpacker Note:

First in the world is in Mentawai? PART 2 #ExploreMentawai #MahakaryaIndonesia.

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"So, in each of the tattoos there is a meaning for each of them, safe?" I asked curiously.

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Aman then smiled, and gave a little explanation about the tattoo. "There must be a meaning, because as I said before, this is our eternal clothing. Every tattoo on our body is different in shape, according to what we do." Safe answer.

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Then Aman pointed at her feet. "Tattooing these lines means a board that means home. So as a family head, you should be able to make a comfortable home." said Aman. Looks like a firm tattoo line on Safe's thigh.

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"It's different from the one on the shoulder and chest. If it's on my chest, this is a bow arrow tattoo. So I have to be able to look for snacks to support my family. Look at the tattoo on Abay's chest? It's shaped like a net. That means, Abay has to capture or find fish. " continued Safe.

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"There is also a sun tattoo, which means the sun is a source of warmth for us. Don't forget the tattoo on the arm. It looks like wood or rattan, because this rattan helps to bind the pegs of the house and is a very important plant for the Mentawai people" Safe lid.

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Apparently, the Mentawai people are still persistent in upholding their traditions. Have patience when going through the process of making a tattoo that is still very primitive. They also worked together to prepare for the procession to make the tattoo run smoothly. In my opinion, the Mentawai tattoo is one of #MahakaryaIndonesia which is valuable and must be kept well known. Interested to follow the tradition of tattoos here, no?

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