History of Sak Yant Tattoos

Traditional Thai Tattoos Sak Yant Tattoos History and Origins

Origins and History of Sak Yant Tattoo

The origin of Sak Yants (known as Traditional Khmer Tattoo and Traditional Thai Tattoo) can be traced back up to 2000 years ago in traditions, although the oldest known record of its use dates back only to the 1600s. The records came during the reign of the Ayuttaya Kingdom in Thailand. Warriors were bestowed with yant tattoos and yant shirts as a talisman to safeguard them in battle. The yantra tattooing process was conducted by monks and holy men through a traditional hand-poked technique and empowered with Magical Blessings

Finding the accurate Sak Yant Tattoo History is a difficult task. While there is a general consensus of the beginnings and development of the Sak Yant, often Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and to a lessor extent Laos, all have variations of claims. These claims are made and widely shared, mainly by modern adherents of Sak Yant and influenced mostly by national pride rather than historical accuracy. Cambodians will refer to them as Khmer Tattoo while Thai’s refer to them as Sak Yant.

N.B. No authentic Sak Yant Master will refer to them as Bamboo Tattoo. This is purely a marketing trick used by many Thailand Tattoo Parlors

Table of Contents

Is the Sak Yant Cambodian? or Thai?

Is a Sak Yant a Khmer Tattoo or a Traditional Thai Tattoo?

The Sak Yant is practiced in both Thailand and Cambodia (traditional Khmer tattoo). In reality the areas where the Sak Yant developed were not defined by current national boarders until a couple hundred years ago. Before this time ‘ownership’ of the territory (and hence origins of Sak Yant) constantly changed as different warlords battled for power and conquered different land mass.

The historical reality is often ignored when Cambodians write about the Sak Yant in their History of Khmer Tattoos, or the Thai’s describe the Sak Yant History. Each region tending to overplay their own (current) countries significance in the re-telling.

However the area where Sak Yant History begins started (called the Khmer Empire) is today located in the North areas, mostly now in modern day Chiang Mai, Thailand (Lanna traditions) and Siem Reap (Cambodian traditions). This is reflected in the ancient languages used for the magical inscription which is different for different areas of Sak Yant.

The Origins and History of Sak Yant Tattoo

The History of Sak Yant tattoos is long and fascinating, which dates back to ancient times. They are believed to have originated in what is now the Khmer Empire, which existed from the 9th to the 15th centuries and covered parts of modern-day Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Over the centuries, the popularity of Sak Yant Tattoos grew, and they became an integral part of the culture and traditions of Southeast Asia. Today, these tattoos are still deeply rooted in the spiritual and religious beliefs of the region and are considered a sacred art form.

Each region having slight variations of design and magical text which is referred to as their lineage. With the advent of roads, travel and later modern internet communication the variations (or lineage) became less important as knowledge was shared and increased. Cambodia retained a modified version of Khmer script that is still used in many Sak Yant traditions, while Thailand developed different forms of writing. Cambodian people will often claim because of their writing style being closer to the old language – the Sak Yant traditional somehow belongs to their culture and the Thai’s stole it.

Sak Yant & Khmer Tattoo History: What is the Sak Yant Language?

What Language is the Sak Yant Tattoo?

Sak Yant Tattoo’s do not use Thai or Cambodian text for the magical text. The language used in most Sak Yants is much older forms of Pali, and Khom Scripts developed in the Khmer Empire (Cambodia). Khom and Pali script are used for various purposes in Thailand, such as Buddhist texts, images, magical textbooks, and manuals on topics like astrology, numerology, cosmology, and the creation and interpretation of Yantras.

In Northern Thailand another ancient and more localized Lanna language is often used by the Sak Yant Masters who grew up and learned how to read and write from Temple schools. While every Sak Yant expert has undertaken learning Pali and Khom, The Lanna script is believed (by Northern Thailand Masters) to be more powerful, in addition to looking more attractive. Sak Yants from South Thailand will use Pali text, while Sak Yants from Cambodia will use mainly Khom scripts.

The point of a magical talisman of which the Sak Yant is one, is the Blessing which comes from secret knowledge and power. If everyone could read and understand the scripts used in Traditional Thai Tattoos, then they would not be unique or special or powerful.

The History of Thai Buddhist Tattoos

Buddhism has a rich and extensive history spanning over two millennia in Thailand. Presently, a substantial 95% of the population practices the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. However, over time, this religious practice has amalgamated with mystical beliefs and tantric customs, leading to the infusion of magic into Thai Buddhism.

Mystical Thai Buddhism, also known as Tantric Theravada, is a distinctive form of Buddhism that integrates magical and ritualistic practices with a systematic approach to attaining Buddhist enlightenment. This variant of Buddhism employs various esoteric methods, such as number symbolism, mantras, and sacred language, to accomplish aims such as protection, healing, good fortune, longevity, and more. Devotion to Devas, Buddhas, and Spirits is also an integral part of this mystical belief system.

The origin of sak yants can be traced back up to 2000 years ago, although the oldest known record of its use dates back only to the 1600s, during the reign of the Ayuttaya Kingdom in Thailand. Warriors were bestowed with yant tattoos and yant shirts as a talisman to safeguard them in battle. The yantra tattooing process was conducted by monks through a traditional hand-poked technique using a Steel tool called a Khem

Many of the figures and motifs portrayed in sak yants come from the mythologies and legends of Thailand. The devas, divine beings, feature prominently in these tattoos, including Rama and the mythical Himapant animals, legendary creatures usually composed of two or three different animals.

Cultural Significance of Sak Yant Tattoos

Traditional Thai Tattoo Sak Yant Scam — *Fake Sak Yant’s by Tattoo Artists are highly disrespectful in Thai Culture*

Sak Yant tattoos hold a deep cultural significance in both Thailand and Cambodia, and are believed to possess magical powers that can bring good luck, health, and prosperity to the wearer. The designs are often accompanied by special prayers and blessings, which are said to imbue the tattoo with spiritual energy. With the increased popularity of Sak Yant’s many tattoo parlors and artists offer fake replicas of the designs which they term bamboo tattooing.

This is not only considered highly disrespectful to the culture and traditions of Thailand. The placing of fake Sak Yants obtained from tattoo shops could result in a Real Sak Yant Master refusing to give an authentic Sak Yant due to the lack of respect for the spiritual aspects of the Sak Yant history and traditions.

Common Myths about the Sak Yant

Bamboo Tattoos are the same thing as Sak Yant and Khmer Tattoo

Sak Yant Tattoos in Thailand have a step history and association with Buddhism and Buddhist Temples. Monks at temples have been using metal (steel) to make their hand poked Sak Yant’s since the beginning of Sak Yant History. The popularity of the term ‘Bamboo Tattoo’ and it’s use is a recent marketing invention by tattoo artists trying to cash in by providing fake Sak Yants. Real Sak Yant Masters don’t use the term bamboo tattoo in reference to Sak Yant Tattoos. You can find out more about how this marketing term was created in this article Thailands Bamboo Tattoos?

The Importance of Sak Yant Lineage

Sak Yant Lineage developed in the early days as a result of isolated regions and Temples developing different designs over hundred of years. As each Sak Yant Master taught their lineage (range of designs and text) to their students the lineage became an important part of identity with the Sak Yant Masters Teacher. This is mostly seen and promoted as being important with students from Wat Bang Phra and the Famous Monk Luang Phor Pern. Master Luang Phor Pern was responsible for increasing the popularity of the Sak Yant during his time as abbot at Wat Bang Phra.

Outside of Wat Bang Phra, and especially in Northern Thailand and Cambodia the lineage is not seen as very important. It can be likened to being a medical student in an University that only teaches dentistry and claiming that tooth pulling is the only ‘medicine’ that is required for health. Modern Sak Yant Masters generally value the wisdom of all Sak Yant traditions and tend to extend their knowledge (and therefore wisdom and power) by studying many different forms of designs and magical spells.

This desire for knowledge is reflected in the Ruesi (Hermit Monk) Sak Yant desire that is often shown as a traveling mystic and represents wisdom, and power through the knowledge gained. A contradiction the the lineage the importance of lineage which is common among the Ajarns who learn from Wat Bang Phra

Sak Yant’s are done by a donation chosen by the person getting one

This has never been the case, as almost every Temple and certainly ever Sak Yant Master has a design and cost book for people to choose their designs. The confusion comes from people not understanding that their are two parts to getting a Sak Yant. The first is the offering consisting of a few flowers, some incense and cigarettes, the second part being the donation which is found in the design books or by asking the Master “How much for this one”.

When tourists go to Wat bang Phra they buy the offering outside of the Temple and not speaking Thai assume this is all that is required. Monks can not ask for money (although they can say what ‘donation’ is typical when asked). Typically if you do not pay for the cost of the Monks time (let alone the ink and new needle) the Monk will give you a quick design using the ink and needle from the previous person. This never happens with Thai people who know that every service provided by the Temples is done in exchange for money, which they determine by asking “How much donation”.