Thailand’s Spirit Tattoos – two new books

Recently two books, Sacred Tattoos of Thailand and Sacred Skin, have been published on the tattoos of Thailand. These sacred tattoos are called Sak Yant in Thai. It is believed that this ink protects the devoted, enhances strength, removes obstacles and can bring fortune and good luck. Sak Yant is an ancient tradition using images and symbols deeply rooted in Thai culture.

Sacred Tattoos of Thailand by Joe Cummings is the more scholarly of the two volumes. Cummings, who studied Southeast Asian art history and received a master’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley, takes the reader deep into the world of the Sak Yant masters, as well as the people they ink. His academic background is apparent in the depth and organization of the information presented. British photographer Dan White’s pictures perfectly support the text. This comprehensive study is engaging and gives the reader an excellent overview of the subject.

Sacred Skin takes a very different approach to this material. Sacred Skin is an equal collaboration between author Tom Vater and photographer Aroon Thaewchatturat. The seductive and intimate images are as important to this book as the text. While Vater writes about Sak Yant, Thaewchatturat’s portraits show the complexity of an art form that radically transforms those who choose the ink. .

Sacred Tattoos of Thailand and Sacred Skin are both well-conceived books. Each book gives insights to an important cultural tradition that transcends the decorative and holds profound meaning to many Thais.


click here to see the Sacred Tattoos of Thailand web site

click here to see the Sacred Skin website