Whang-od Oggay lives in the Kalinga province of the Philippines, where she has been tattooing people for generations. She first started tattooing traditional designs on warriors and women when she was 15 years old. Although traditionally only men were allowed to learn the art, she was taught by her father, who was a master tattooist. The tattooing technique is called “batok,” which is done by repeatedly tapping an ink-tipped spike with a wooden stick. As a way to encourage other women to learn batok, Whang-od chose only to accept female apprentices, thus starting her own tradition. As time passed, these tattoos have become less culturally important. Now, she primarily tattoos tourists who make the journey to visit her, giving them tattoos similar to the traditional tattoos of the past. Every day, she tattoos about 20 or 30 people, earning about $100 (W121,000) in total. Last month, she celebrated her 103rd birthday, but she is still tattooing and is not yet ready to give up her art.
Gregory Hutchinson For The Junior Times
1. What does Whang-od Oggay do for a living?
2. When did Whang-od Oggay begin tattooing?
3. How much money does Whang-od Oggay make in a day from tattooing?
1. Do you think Whang-od Oggay makes a reasonable amount of money for her tattoos?
2. Do you consider tattooing as a form of art?
3. Would you ever consider getting a tattoo from Whang-od Oggay?
4. Why is it important for women to become more involved in male dominated careers?
Whang-od Oggay lives in the Kalinga province of the Philippines, where she has been tattooing people for generations. She first started tattooing traditional designs on warriors and women when she was 15 years old. Although traditionally only men were allowed to learn the art, she was taught by her father, who was a master tattooist. The tattooing technique is called “batok,” which is done by repeatedly tapping an ink-tipped spike with a wooden stick. As a way to encourage other women to learn batok, Whang-od chose only to accept female apprentices, thus starting her own tradition.
