# Kale in the Tattoo COLOR, Tattoo HONOR event when tattoos are the art of civilization #

Hello everyone! ^O^

Let's continue our tour at the Museum Siam!

Following our previous blog post, where we explored the "Decoding Thai" exhibition on the 2nd and 3rd floors, this time we'll be venturing into another exciting exhibition.

Get ready to be amazed!

Have you read our previous blog post, "Decoding Thai"? Did you enjoy it?

If you did, then join us as we explore the next exhibition:

"Tattoo Color, Tattoo Honor"

Prepare to be captivated by the stunning artistry and grandeur of ancient civilizations!

In front of Museum Siam, there is a large sign like this. There are two entrances:

The entrance opposite, slightly to the right of "Wang Chakrapong", and the entrance from "MRT Sanam Chai".

This exhibition will be held on the 1st floor of the Museum Siam Exhibition Building.

Upon arrival, you can walk straight in and enjoy the event for free!!

Wow! Such a good event and it's free, can you resist it?

This event has a guide to take you around, not letting you walk around and learn by yourself like a chicken.

Going home, you'll have upgraded your life experience.

The History and Legends of Tattooing: A Journey Through Time

This first zone takes us on a journey through the history and legends of tattooing across various lands. It showcases a fascinating civilization that dates back an incredible 5,300 years!

Evidence for this ancient practice comes from the discovery of human remains in the Ötzi glacier in Switzerland, dating back to 5,300 years ago. Additionally, ancient Egyptian mummies provide further proof of tattooing's long history.

However, the exact reasons behind the tattoos of these ancient people remain unclear. We don't know why they chose to be tattooed or what the specific meanings of their tattoos were.

Therefore, various hypotheses have been proposed:

• 1. Ritualistic practice: Tattoos may have been part of ancient rituals and ceremonies.
• 2. Display of strength: Tattoos could have served as a symbol of strength and power.
• 3. Spiritual significance: They might have held spiritual or religious meaning.
• 4. Awe and aesthetics: Tattoos could have been used to inspire awe and create a sense of beauty.

Just learning about the origins of tattooing reveals its extraordinary nature. For those fascinated by ancient civilizations, the history of tattooing offers a captivating glimpse into the past. This exhibit is a must-see, so hop on the train and experience it for yourself!

This section explores the history and legends of Thai tattooing.

Historical evidence of tattooing in Thailand dates back to the Ayutthaya period, as documented in the "La Loubère's Account of the Kingdom of Siam." This account, written by Simon de la Loubère, the ambassador of King Louis XIV of France, describes tattooing as a practice associated with status and bravery.

The King, for instance, was tattooed with blue ink from his feet to his navel, reflecting the color blue's association with royalty in the Thai flag. Nobles and ministers also embraced tattooing as a test of their endurance.

Yantra tattoos, believed to possess magical powers, were primarily for spiritual protection. Commoners, on the other hand, were tattooed on their wrists to identify their affiliation with their masters.

It is important to note that the information presented here is based on historical accounts and interpretations, and further research may be necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the evolution and significance of Thai tattooing.

Let's take a look at the tattoo culture of indigenous Thai groups.

This event tells the story of tattooing among the "Lao" people.

It's important to note that "Lao" in this context does not refer to the modern-day country of Laos. (I initially misunderstood this as well.)

Historically, "Lao" referred to the Thai people living in northern and northeastern Thailand.

This also extended to the people of Vientiane and Luang Prabang (present-day Laos).

The Lao people are divided into two groups: the "White Belly Lao",

an indigenous group in the northeastern region of Thailand, also known as the Lan Xang Lao,

and the indigenous groups of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

The distinctive feature of the White Belly Lao is their tattoos, which extend from the thighs to the knees.

In northern Thailand, the Lanna people, or indigenous groups, refer to the tattooed men as "Black-bellied Laotians."

Their distinctive tattoos extend from the stomach to the knees.

The event will feature storytelling about various tattoo legends, such as the legends of the dragon and tiger tattoos. The stories are exciting, and some will even make you say "wow!"

However, I won't spoil the stories. I want everyone to experience the event for themselves.

The image shows one of the tattoos that I and the photographer really like.

It's called the "Paloo" tattoo. This tattoo has a legendary story according to the beliefs of the Pga K'nyau people, also known as the Sgaw Karen or White Karen, an indigenous tribe that has lived in Chiang Mai for over 100-200 years.

It is believed that if you tattoo the Paloo on the back of your leg above the knee, it will guide your spirit to a good afterlife and allow you to meet your ancestors there. // It's getting deeper and deeper, huh?

Let's move on to this side, which showcases the tattoo culture of Taiwan's indigenous people.

This event not only promotes the art, culture, and civilization of Taiwan's indigenous people, but also aims to gain acceptance for people with tattoos in Taiwan.

// The guide mentioned that tattoos are not yet widely accepted in Taiwan.

However, in the past, tattoos were a mark of honor, valued more than those without any markings.

Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan: The Paiwan

The Paiwan are an indigenous group residing in southern Taiwan. They are distinguished by their unique tattoos, which adorn their hands, arms, backs, and chests. For women, tattoos are typically found on the back of the hand. These tattoos hold significant cultural importance, symbolizing identity and serving as a permanent mark throughout life.

The significance of tattoos among the Tai Yai people is to demonstrate the honor and dignity of the tattooed individual.

The patterns are divided into different classes.

For example, the patterns for the upper class, those who are allowed to have tattoos,

must be the tribal chiefs and members of the chief's family.

Or for people who have important positions in society, they will receive different special tattoos.

Therefore, those who have tattoos will be respected and feared.

This is very different from the attitudes of people in the present era.

This elderly woman from the Pa'O ethnic group looks very cool.

Judging from the tattoos on the back of her hand, she must be a very strong and capable woman.

The second indigenous group is the Taiya people.

The Taiya people reside in northern Taiwan.

Unlike the Paiwan people, the Taiya people only tattooed their faces.

The tattoos of the Taiya people signified the wearer's skill level.

Traditional Tai Ya tattoos consist of three parts: forehead, chin, and face.

Forehead tattoos are given to both men and women who demonstrate skill.

Chin tattoos are exclusive to men and signify a warrior's ability to bring enemy heads or victory back to the tribe. These tattoos serve as a mark of honor for the men who receive them.

Women receive cheek tattoos that extend to the earlobe, signifying their skill in weaving and knitting. As their weaving skills improve throughout their lives, their tattoos are extended with additional lines, demonstrating their growing expertise.

The next room is the second room. This room will tell the details of the lifestyle and tattooing methods of both indigenous Thai people and Taiwanese people. It also displays Thai woven fabrics, which are an innovation in the present day. The fabrics have been printed with tattoo patterns from the past in order to preserve the art of ancient tattoos for many years to come. I really like this idea because I am not a tattoo person, but I like the designs of tattoos. I can also have the designs that I like in the form of clothes and bags instead. // Right now I'm looking to order a shawl with a palu pattern. 5555555555

This is not a projector screen, but a woven fabric from the indigenous Phaiwan people.

The fabric is very thick and the woven pattern looks like a printed image. It is truly beautiful.

This corner also features a display case of traditional tattooing equipment, which is still in excellent condition.

This cabinet displays traditional tattooing tools used by Taiwanese people.

The needles you see are actually thorns from trees.

Before needles were invented, animal bones or thorns were used.

These tools eventually evolved into the metal needles seen on the right.

This is an ancient Thai tattoo needle tool. The handle allows for interchangeable needle tips.

The speaker explained to Kan Na that when tattooing with an ancient needle, the wound scabs less than when tattooing with a modern tattoo gun.

This corner allows us to try temporary tattoos for fun.

If you're curious about what it's like to have a tattoo (for those who don't have one, like me),

you can try stamping the tattoo patterns on your skin.

There's a description on the table explaining what each tattoo symbol represents,

its name, and its meaning. My photographer couldn't resist

and stamped his hand full of tattoos. 5555555555

This is too much! Kale doesn't want to pump, but just wants to try it on.

Honestly, I'm scared of myself when I zoom in. 55555555

This room also features a short documentary-style film.

It tells the story of tattooing in Taiwanese tribes and shows how tattoos were done in the past.

I was a little surprised to see that the old-fashioned tattoo needles were arranged in a panel and hammered by hand. My goodness!

I believe that tattooing is a true test of endurance. It takes a long time to finish each tattoo.

If you can't handle it, go ahead. If you can't handle it, join me. 555555555

Next to the previous room, we enter the final room inside.

This room is a workshop where we can stamp our favorite tattoos onto blank paper.

To make souvenir postcards to take home.

The previous room had a stamp for use on skin, but Kale didn't do it.

This room has a stamp for paper, but she stamped it on her arm.

The staff looked at her face, playing like this 55555555555.

Ta-da!

This is so much fun! I'm having a blast at this event.

Just look at the intricate designs of these tattoos! I never thought I'd be so interested in tattoos, but this event has opened my eyes to a whole new world.

Imagine ancient hieroglyphics.

We can't read them, and they seem so mysterious and fascinating, right? That's what this event is like.

These ancient tattoos are like hieroglyphics, each with its own unique story.

Tattoos are a visual language, a unique form of expression with deep meaning. It's amazing!

I highly recommend everyone to come and see this exhibition for yourselves. You won't regret it! ^^

Kanna stamped on a blank paper, but she was afraid of losing it, so she stamped it on her ID card book at the "Decoding Thai" event instead.

// Read the blog post "Decoding Thai" as well. I guarantee you'll be smiling throughout the event. Oh! I'm good at selling~

After you finish exploring the exhibition, you will see a commemorative coin vending machine like this outside.

But it's automatic, just insert a coin and press the button to select the design you like.

The machine will then stamp a coin for you.

// If you read Kancha's Blog Singapore at Sentosa, the vending machine will be manual, lol 55555 > <

And here is the face of the photographer who has been a friend, a brother, and a mischievous enemy to Kan Na all day long.

What kind of people can laugh like that? They should go see a doctor before going on a trip. Seriously, 55555555

Thank you Brother S (Est Foto) for taking beautiful pictures for Kan Na Noi. ^^ I bow to you.

// The pictures are very beautiful. You can hire him. If you say you came from Kan Na, you will receive a photo package.

0% discount, no installments, only cash payment // Just kidding, 55555555

Getting to Museum Siam is now easier than ever.

You can take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station.

However, if you are driving, parking is limited. We recommend taking the MRT for the most convenient option.

After the Tattoo Color, Tattoo Honor event on the 1st floor,

Follow Kale up to the 2nd and 3rd floors to continue the fun at the event...

# Kale in the "Decoding Thai" event, thinking about "Thainess", thinking about "what is it?" #

I guarantee that everyone will level up their "Thai" identity even more!

And for this blog, Kale has taken you on a tour of the whole place. Do you like this event? If you do, you must go! Don't miss it!

At this point, Kale would like to thank Khun Lek and all the staff at the Museum of Siam.

They took very good care of Kale. I'm very happy. I'll definitely see you at the next exhibition. I'll be back to cause trouble again. 555555

And thank you all for following me to this point. // Bow slightly

See you again. // Kale Noi ❤