Ethnographic of Pantaron Manobo tattooing (Pangotoe):

Understanding Manobo Indigenous Tattoos

Introduction
A tattoo represents a type of body alteration where a design is created by injecting ink, dyes,
and/or pigments, either permanent or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to alter its
pigment. The craft of creating tattoos is known as tattooing. Individuals get tattoos for a variety
of reasons, and the significance of a tattoo can be personal or cultural. Some individuals opt for
tattoos to convey personal feelings or to symbolize symbolic meanings.Tattoos are permanent or
semi-permanent markings on the skin created by injecting pigments or dyes into the dermis
layer. They have been practiced by various cultures throughout history and hold diverse
meanings and uses. Tattoos can serve as a form of personal expression, allowing individuals to
display their identity, beliefs, or affiliations. They can also be used for cultural and social
purposes, such as signifying membership in a particular group or tribe. In some societies, tattoos
are associated with spiritual or religious practices, serving as symbols of protection or connection
to the divine. Additionally, tattoos can be used for commemoration, marking significant life
events or honoring loved ones. Astronomy can also play a role in tattooing, with some cultures
incorporating celestial elements like stars, constellations, or zodiac signs into their designs. The
point being emphasized is the importance of preserving and understanding indigenous tattoo
practices, as they are valuable forms of cultural heritage. By documenting and supporting these
practices, we can ensure the continuity of cultural traditions, prevent their loss, and promote
respect and appreciation for diverse cultural expressions.(Ragragio, Paluga 2019)

Preserving and documenting indigenous tattoo practices and designs is a critical issue in the
realm of cultural heritage. Tattoos hold immense cultural, historical, scientific, and social
significance, and their preservation is essential for the continuity of cultural traditions and the
understanding of their underlying meanings.The fading nature of tattoos and the mortality of
individuals pose a risk to the loss of this valuable cultural knowledge and art form. Without
proper efforts to preserve and document indigenous tattoo practices, there is a real danger of
disconnection from cultural roots and a diminishing of cultural diversity.The background of this
problem can be traced back to the historical and ongoing marginalization and erasure of
indigenous cultures.These factors have contributed to a decline in the transmission of tattooing
knowledge and the loss of traditional tattoo designs.Organizations, researchers, and artists are
collaborating with indigenous communities to document and preserve traditional tattoo practices.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations have access to this cultural heritage and that
indigenous communities can reclaim and celebrate their tattooing practices.This problem and its
background underscore the importance of cultural heritage preservation, the necessity for
collaboration between communities and external stakeholders, and the recognition of indigenous
knowledge and art forms. By actively working to preserve indigenous tattoo practices, we can
contribute to the revitalization and empowerment of indigenous communities and foster a greater
appreciation for the rich diversity of human cultures.(Gosh 2020)
"Tattoo Histories" is a comprehensive exploration of the socio-culturalsignificance of tattooing
in relation to bodies, boundaries, and identities. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing
on historical and contemporary perspectives, to provide a nuanced understanding of tattoo
practices.The book aims to move away from a universal and essentialized history of tattooing by
delving into the interconnected and transcultural histories, narratives, and practices associated
with tattoos. It challenges prevailing Eurocentric and North American biases in tattoo research
by featuring analyses from diverse locations such as Malaysia, Israel, East Africa, and India. By
incorporating these perspectives, the book seeks to broaden the scope of tattoo scholarship and
foster a more inclusive understanding of tattooing practices worldwide.The thematic focus of
"Tattoo Histories" centers around the transformative power of tattoos and tattooing. It explores
how tattoos contribute to the social construction of bodies and subjectivity, shedding light on the
ways in which they shape personal and collective identities. The book investigates how tattoos
define relationships between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals, examining the roles and
dynamics at play. It also delves into the significance of tattoos in the formation and consolidation
of group identities, traditions, and authenticity, highlighting their cultural and social
implications. Additionally, the book explores the conceptualization of tattoos as art and examines
the intricate relationship between tattoo artists and their clients.Overall, "Tattoo Histories" aims
to provide a comprehensive and diverse understanding of the cultural significance of tattoos and
their impact on individuals and communities. By incorporating a wide range of perspectives and
geographical contexts, the book contributes to the scholarly discourse on tattooing, challenging
existing biases and offering new insights into this rich and complex form of body
modification(Routledge 2019)

Background of the Study

The ethnography of Pantaron Manobo tattooing, specifically Pangotoeb, aims to develop a
heuristic schema or method of understanding the indigenous tattooing practices among the
Pantaron Manobo people. The Pantaron Manobo, an indigenous group residing in the
mountainous regions of Mindanao, Philippines, have a rich cultural heritage that includes
traditional tattooing. These tattoos carry deep cultural and symbolic meanings, representing
identity, social status, personal achievements, and spiritual beliefs. The study seeks to explore
and document various aspects of Manobo indigenous tattoos, including motifs, designs,
techniques, and cultural contexts. Researchers employ fieldwork, participant observation,
interviews, and oral histories to gain insights into the meanings and stories behind specific tattoo
designs. They also analyze the broader cultural context, conduct comparative analysis, and
interpret their findings to contribute to the preservation and understanding of Pantaron Manobo
tattooing as a vital cultural practice.