What do Angelina Jolie Tattoos Mean? Jolie Sak Yant

Angelina Jolie played a major role in bringing global attention to traditional Sak Yant tattoos. Her tattoos gained widespread visibility around the time she was made an honorary Cambodian citizen during the filming of First They Killed My Father in 2017. For that occasion, she chose the Twin Tiger Sak Yant, tattooed by the renowned master Ajarn Noo Kanpai, who traveled from Bangkok to Siem Reap, where filming took place.

Her first Sak Yant was completed much earlier, in 2003, followed by another in 2004, both also performed by Ajarn Noo. In keeping with tradition, she has remained loyal to the same master for all her Sak Yant tattoos.

Brad Pitt has also received Sak Yant tattoos from Ajarn Noo during multiple visits. Today, however, Ajarn Noo’s global reputation means his work is out of reach for most people, with prices typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, even for a basic design.

There is little doubt that Angelina Jolie’s tattoos helped spark widespread Western interest in this ancient Thai art form. Since then, other public figures, such as Anthony Bourdain, who received his Sak Yant in Chiang Mai, have followed her example. As a result, many genuine Ajarns and traditional Sak Yant practitioners have gained greater exposure, creating more opportunities for non-celebrities to receive authentic traditional Thai tattoos.