Ate Wamz is making waves as one of the few indigenous tattoo artists carrying forward the sacred tradition of batok, or Filipino indigenous tattooing.
Historically, batok was more than body decoration. For the Ifugao, it served as a kind of spiritual armor, believed to offer strength and protection. For others, it marked life milestones—rites of passage, achievements, or a deepened connection to nature. Designs often feature animals, plants, or celestial symbols, each one a chapter in a person’s life story and a piece of tribal memory.
As the world becomes more globalized, she admits it’s tricky to protect the integrity of batok.
Commercialization can water it down, and cultural appropriation is a real concern. Still, she believes there’s a path forward.
Ate Wamz envisions a future where younger generations can learn the practice hands-on—through workshops and collaborative projects with cultural groups.
“In the end, this isn’t just about tattoos,” she says. “It’s about identity, connection, and pride in who we are. It’s a story written on skin, and it deserves to be respected.”