Sak Yant, commonly known as Thai Buddhist Tattoos, is an ancient tattooing art from Thailand. Widely believed to give magical powers to its bearers, these Buddhist tattoos are gaining popularity in cosmopolitan Singapore.
Yant TattoosTraditionally worn by monastic monks and soldiers for protection, Sak Yant has evolved to become a well-accepted genre within the tattoo culture of today's youth.
"Sak Yant used to be a rite of passage for Thai soldiers fighting in the border," said Mr. David Tang, proprietor of Fo Guang Hang Buddhist Tattoos. "In those days, the protective powers of Sak Yant was the main reason why someone would receive the yant tattoos. Even in today's modern society, many Thais still believe that bearers of yant tattoos are invulnerable to guns and blades"
Indeed many stories of invincibility have been passed by word of mouth. One famous story tells of the exploits of a certain young Thai gangster who was hit by 20 9mm rounds in a fierce gun fight between rival gangs. Apparently, he came out of the ordeal with nothing more than some bruises.
That being said, the rise of Sak Yant's popularity in Singapore has totally nothing to do with invincibility. Often regarded by foreigners as one of the safest countries in the world, there is essentially no place for Sak Yant in Singapore. However the recent featuring of Sak Yant on western television programs by famous celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie, has sparked off an intense desire for this ancient art.
"I have been bringing Sak Yant masters, such as Ajahn Tong, to Singapore for 20 years and the response was always lukewarm. Singaporeans like to associate Sak Yant with gangsterism," said Mr David Tang, "However in recent years, due to the media coverage of Sak Yant, more and more people are receptive to the idea of getting a yant tattoo because it is considered fashionable and cool."
In fact for most young bearers of yant tattoos such as Mr Timothy Tan, getting one is more of a fashion statement.
Mr Timothy Tan, whose skin is a bright canvas of both yant and modern tattoos, said that he have 'no idea whatsoever of the magical powers of yant tattoos' and that he decided to get them after he watched an episode of MTV's Jackass in which Sak Yant was featured.
"My yant tattoos are done by Ajahn Tong, they are all very beautiful works of art," he said. "After I show my yant tattoos to my friends, they become interested in it too."
Ajahn Tong, who visits Singapore every two months to tattoo his devotees in Singapore, understands and accepts the gradual shift in Sak Yant's position in society.
Ajahn Tong in Singapore
"In the past, we used to live in a dangerous world where guns were easily available. This is not the case anymore and I accept it." he said.
"That being said, I will still carry on my way of tattooing regardless of the intentions of the receiver. The magic of yant tattoos will always be there for I will put my heart and soul into every single one I create. This is my responsibility as an ajahn,'' he added.
There are currently 3 shops in Singapore they provide Sak Yant to those who are interested in this traditional way of tattooing. Prices for each design varies and all needles are properly sterilised before using.
