106-12 months-Previous Filipino Tattoo Artist Turns into Vogue’s Oldest Cowl Mannequin
Vogue Philippines journal has made headlines with the revealing of its April 2023 magnificence subject cowl, which is breaking data within the publishing business. The fascinating picture gracing the entrance web page showcases none apart from the exceptional 106-year-old Apo Whang-Od, an esteemed Indigenous Kalinga mambabatok, or conventional tattooist. This momentous function establishes Apo Whang-Od because the oldest particular person to grace any cowl of Vogue, marking a big milestone within the historical past of the enduring trend publication.
Often known as Maria Oggay, Apo Whang-Od has devoted her life to preserving and upholding the traditional Kalinga custom of hand-tapped physique artwork. Her exceptional journey started on the tender age of 16 when she launched into an apprenticeship beneath the tutelage of her father. In a tradition the place the artwork of blending pine-soot ink and making use of intricate designs by hand was beforehand reserved solely for males, Apo Whang-Od’s apprenticeship signaled a groundbreaking shift for girls inside her neighborhood.
For a number of many years, Apo Whang-Od diligently practiced her craft inside her local people, embarking on arduous journeys to close by and far-flung villages. Armed with a thorn from a pomelo tree, a foot-long bamboo stick, coal, and water, she imprinted sacred symbols deep into the pores and skin, using a tapping method that rendered the designs everlasting. The resilience and dedication exhibited all through her tattooing endeavors have garnered Apo Whang-Od widespread recognition and admiration.
Up to now 15 years, Apo Whang-Od’s popularity has transcended the boundaries of her distant village, Buscalan. Regardless of the appreciable distance—requiring a 12-hour drive from Manila adopted by a 40-minute trek by way of breathtaking rice terraces—individuals from all corners of the globe now pilgrimage to her doorstep, searching for the dignity of receiving a tattoo from the revered mambabatok.
In adherence to Kalinga custom, the artwork of mambabatok can solely be handed right down to blood kin. As destiny would have it, Apo Whang-Od didn’t have any organic youngsters of her personal. However, she took her grand-niece, Grace Palicas, beneath her wing on the tender age of 10, sharing the traditional methods and knowledge of their heritage. Now 26 years previous, Palicas proudly carries on the legacy, cultivating her personal tattooing observe alongside her cousin Elyang Wigan, who’s 23. This collaboration ensures the perpetuation of the mambabatok custom, securing its longevity for generations to return, very like Apo Whang-Od herself.
Vogue Philippines’ resolution to function Apo Whang-Od on their April 2023 magnificence subject cowl demonstrates a profound appreciation for cultural heritage, transcending typical magnificence requirements and celebrating the richness of human expertise. By showcasing Apo Whang-Od’s exceptional expertise, resilience, and standing as an emblematic determine throughout the Indigenous Kalinga neighborhood, Vogue Philippines shouldn’t be solely embracing range but additionally amplifying the voice of a rare particular person who has change into an inspiration to numerous admirers around the globe.
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Originally posted 2023-07-13 08:44:09.