Aug 9, 2019 · At 102 years old, Whang-Od is the oldest tattoo artist in the Philippines. She carries on a long tradition of hand-tapped body art. People venture from around the world to get a tattoo from her.

Whang-od Oggay (first name pronunciation: [ˈ(h)waŋˈ(ʔ)ɔd]; [5] [additional citation(s) needed] born c. February 17, 1917 or March 6, 1919), [6] [7] also known as Maria Oggay, [8] is a tattoo artist from the village of Buscalan within Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines.

Oct 19, 2024 · Whang-Od is the oldest tattoo artist in Philippines and the last living mambabatok, which is a traditional Kalinga tattooist. She lives in the small town of Buscalan, in the mountains of Kalinga, creating tattoos since she was just 15.

Jan 6, 2020 · Somewhere among the Cordillera mountains of the Kalinga district in Northern Luzon, lives Whang-Od, a centenarian, who with her wrinkly old hands is the sole crusader keeping the tradition of Kalinga body art alive.

Apr 7, 2023 · Apo Whang-Od, the sprightly centenarian also known as Maria Oggay, has been hand-tapping tattoos on skin since she was a teenager.

Sep 17, 2022 · Apo Whang Od, at the age of 105, is the last tattoo artist from the tribe. It was with the warriors of Butbut tribe where the practice of hand-tapped body art began. The process of doing the tattoo involves hitting or tapping of the traditional stick and bamboo, hence calling the artists mambabatok which translates to a person who hits or taps.

Jul 3, 2022 · Whang-Od is a centenarian tattoo artist legendary for her expertise in traditional tattooing. She is a prominent artist in Philippine culture and tradition, making distinct tattoos.

Feb 25, 2025 · She became the face of a disappearing art form, drawing tattoo lovers, historians, and documentarians from across the globe. Her impact reached new heights when she became the oldest person ever to be featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines in 2023, cementing her status as an international cultural icon.

Apr 14, 2023 · Apo Whang-Od is an internationally successful tattoo artist who uses the traditional tools of her culture’s trade. She is also 106 years old. She is also Vogue ‘s most recent cover model. All of these things are surprising … and gratifying.

A visit to her home in the Cordillera mountains is one of the most sought-after tattoo pilgrimages in the world. Read on for more about Whang Od, the Kalingas, and this fast-disappearing tradition of hand-tapped body art.