Why you DON'T get a Bamboo Tattoo in Bangkok from a Tattoo Shop (If you want a Sak Yant Tattoo)
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Sak Yant tattoos, (mistakenly called Bamboo Tattoo by those unaware) a traditional form of tattooing deeply rooted in Thai culture and spirituality.
However, there’s a common misconception that tattoo shop can perform Sak Yants. In reality, traditional Sak Yant tattoos require specialized knowledge, expertise, and a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance behind each design. Let’s explore why Bangkok tattoo shops typically can’t do Sak Yants and why it’s important to seek out qualified Sak Yant masters for these sacred tattoos.
The Bamboo Tattoo’ is a recent trend, that started about 2003 with Angelina Jolie getting and making popular a Sak Yant. Bamboo Tattoo was the name Tattoo Artists gave to the artistic replica and meaningless Sak Yant Designs they created for Tourists. Over time and with additional designs given using the hand-poke method, Bamboo Tattooing has developed into a common practice although they are not (as often referred to) a Traditional Thai Tattoo (Sak Yant)
Bamboo Tattoo in Bangkok are NOT Sak Yant's
Firstly, Sak Yants are not just ordinary tattoos; they are deeply infused with spiritual and magical elements. The designs often incorporate ancient Buddhist mantras, symbols, and yantras believed to offer protection, blessings, and various other benefits to the wearer. Each Sak Yant design carries specific meanings and intentions, and the process of receiving a Sak Yant involves rituals, blessings, and chanting by a qualified Sak Yant master.
The 3 Aspects of a Sak Yant Tattoo
1) The Design
The design is the actual picture of the Sak Yant Tattoo. Bangkok Tattoo Studios and their artists will download incorrectly made designs from the internet
2) The Magical Spells
The actual Spells designed on an individual basis. Bangkok Tattoo Artists can’t not read or change this Text, often creating gobble-de-gook text in their designs
3) The Ritual
Real Sak Yants require paying respect to the traditions and Culture of the Sak Yant. AND most important a Blessing afterwards to charge the design with power
Bamboo Tattoos are not Traditional Thai Tattoo's
One of the marketing plays of the Bangkok tattoo Shops is to say that because they are using the traditional hand poked method of making a Tattoo that this is the traditional Thai Tattoo. This is just not correct, as the handpoked method was always the domain of Monks who used steel needles (not Bamboo). Up until 20 years ago, no Tattoo Shop in Bangkok used hand poked method of doing tattoo’s. Not until tourist demand for Sak Yants grew. Before the tourist demand, a typical Tattoo Artist would distance themselves from the method preferring to use modern machines and designs.
Sak Yant Master Training
Traditional Sak Yant masters undergo years of rigorous training, often as monks in Buddhist temples or under the guidance of experienced masters. They study Buddhist scriptures, meditation practices, and the sacred art of Sak Yant tattooing. This training is crucial as it imparts not only the technical skills of tattooing but also the spiritual knowledge required to perform Sak Yants with respect and authenticity.
Another crucial aspect is the sanctity of the Sak Yant process. Traditional Sak Yant ceremonies involve purification rituals, offerings, and prayers to invoke the blessings of the deities and spirits associated with the specific Sak Yant design. These ceremonies create a sacred space where the wearer’s intentions align with the spiritual energy of the tattoo, enhancing its potency and meaning.
Bangkok Bamboo Tattoo Studios Dis-respect for Thai Culture
When Bangkok Tattoo Shop Artists are attempting to perform Sak Yants by calling them bamboo tattoos without the proper training, knowledge, and cultural understanding can lead to misinterpretations, inaccuracies, and disrespectful practices.
Tattoo Shops will make the claim that they often tell the customer that it is not a real Sak Yant and that they are providing an artistic replica of the sacred tradition for those who don’t want to have the magical rituals. This action is the very definition of disrespect
The commercialization of Sak Yants from Bamboo Tattoos from tattoo shops, has led to concerns about cultural appropriation and exploitation. Some tattoo shops or artists may offer them as mere decorative tattoos without honoring their spiritual significance or conducting proper ceremonies. This not only dilutes the authenticity of Sak Yants but also disrespects the cultural heritage and beliefs associated with them.
If you’re interested in getting a Sak Yant tattoo, it’s essential to do your research and seek out reputable Sak Yant masters who have the knowledge, experience, and respect for this sacred art form. Look for masters who have trained extensively, have a deep understanding of Buddhist teachings, and conduct ceremonies with sincerity and reverence.
Thai People can spot your Fake Bamboo Tattoo Sak Yant and will feel disrespected every time they see it
Watch the Video of Why Bangkok Tattoo Shop's can't do Sak Yants
Are Some Bangkok Tattoo Studios Scamming Tourists??
When it comes to making fake Sak Yant Tattoo’s by Tattoo Shops the answer is yes, Bangkok Bamboo Tattoo Shops are scamming tourists when they advertise, promote and provide Fake Traditional Thai Tattoo’s. Especially if they are providing sacred tattoo designs for people who want the real thing. Let’s look at how they do this so you can spot the ‘Artistic copies’, and avoid them when wanting an authentic Sak Yant Experience.
Bamboo Tattoo Bangkok Shop - 'Bamboo Tattoo'
Sak Yant”s have never been done using a “Bamboo Needle” or been referred to as a “Bamboo Tattoo”. This term was was borrowed by Thailand Tattoo Artists as a way to define the traditional Hand poke method of applying a Tattoo.
25 Years ago, there was no such thing as a Bamboo Tattoo in Thailand. However as the popularity of Sak Yant Tattoos increased and tourist’s went to Tattoo Artist not knowing they needed a Sak Yant Master. A new industry was born – they rethought the previous system of promoting modern methods and started using the old and traditional terms.
Bamboo Tattoo Bangkok Shop’s Advertising their Fake Sak Yant’s
Almost all Tattoo shops in Bangkok will display their fake Sak Yant designs outside of their shops. Some will even advertise on Google search hoping to lure in unsuspecting tourists. If you are wanting a Real and authentic Sak Yant you need to search for a Sak Yant Ajarn. Sak Yant Masters will not do normal tattoo designs and focus solely on their craft. who will only do Sak Yant Designs,.
Bangkok Bamboo Tattoo Artists don’t understand what they tattoo into your body
Because the Sak Yant is a Magical and Spiritual Tattoo, it is done with real Magical spells that involve traditional spiritual rituals. The magical language takes years of study to learn and requires a spiritual and ethical lifestyle to administer. Tattoo Studio Artists do not have these qualities and copy meaningless text from stencils.
In fact, because the Tattoo Artist can not read or change the magical text, they have no idea what they are tattooing into your body.
You might even be given the bit of wood they used as a gift from your bamboo tattoo Bangkok experience. No Real Ajarn will give away their Magical tools and create real magical scripts freehand
Try asking the Bamboo Tattoo Bangkok Artist to read or change the magical text for you – It isn’t going to happen
Is it Disrespectful to get a Sak Yant Tattoo from a Bangkok Tattoo Shop?
Yes it is. The bottom-line is Bangkok Tattoo Studios who do fake Sak Yant designs are engaging in stolen valor of the spiritual and cultural traditions of Thailand.
What is worse, is that it will cost you more to get a replica Sak Yant design in Bangkok from a Tattoo artist – than it will to get the real thing from a Sak Yant Master.
If you have spent more than a few days in Thailand you will understand the rich traditions and cultural value that Thai people have and how proud they are to have them. The last thing you want to do is show ignorance of these values by getting and showing off a fake representation of this culture.
So what to do? How to get a Real Sak Yant in Bangkok?
The best method is to use a service that will explain the whole process to you, help with the customization of your magical text and communicate this to the Sak Yant Master. Don’t worry, real Sak Yant providers (perhaps not the more famous Ajarns) will cost much less than a regular tattoo shop.
Sak Yant Tattoo Reviews:
The other very easy tell is the reviews. A Typical Tattoo Shop will have reviews about how clean the shop was, how well the tattoo artists spoke English and how modern the whole thing was.
A person getting a Real Sak Yant will talk about the rituals and experience associated with the Sak Yant, not just the tattoo itself. The Authentic Sak Yant Experience is often rated as one of the best things someone did in Thailand. Getting a replica Sak Yant design from a Tattoo shop, is hardly a life changing experience that an Authentic Sak Yant has become to so many people