Traditional sak yant tattoos are hand-etched onto the skin using ancient geometric designs mixed with Buddhist prayers. They are believed to give the wearer magic powers associated with healing, luck, strength and protection against evil.
Buddhist monks originally engraved sak yant into warriors seeking protection and strength in battle. Often covering their entire bodies from head to toe in magic symbols to prevent knives and arrows from piercing their skin.
No machines are used to create a sak yant tattoo. These traditional Thai tattoos are engraved into skin with a long metal spike or bamboo sharpened to a point. The needle is dipped into ink and repeatedly jabbed through your flesh by hand.
In Chiang Mai you can receive a sak yant tattoo at Mae Tao Hai temple, in Mae Jo area. Monk Eak has practiced sak yant for more than ten years, he has study in many places such as Mae Jaem, Nan and Burma. Monk Eak does Sak Yant tattoos in the real traditional way, with prayers and special ink. He does tatto everyday except on Wednesdays and on Buddha days but he does not tattoo women. If you wish to have a sak yant tatto made by him, you might want to take a Thai friend with you to help you translate. You should also bring nine white flowers, five candles and nine incens sticks.
If you are running out of time or do not have any friend who could help you translate, visit Sak Yant Shop in the old city of Chiang Mai. It is located at 7 arak Road soi 5. (Tel. 095-690 8886)
WHERE IS MAE TAO HAI TEMPLE:
Wat Mae Tao Hai Temple. Mae Jo ol;d Road, passing
Mae Jo University. Tel. 097-949 1653
