Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for Buddhist temples, courtly arts and the sacred tattoo tradition called sak yant. These tattoos combine diagrams, written formulas and figures such as tigers or Hanuman.

Tattoo masters use their knowledge to apply and bless the designs. Both monks and lay specialists have practised the work. A tattoo's meaning is tied to its teacher and to expectations about the wearer's behaviour.

At Wai Khru ceremonies, devotees honour their teachers and renew that connection. Some participants move as if taking on the qualities of an animal represented in their tattoos. The protection attributed to a design is a religious belief, not physical armour.

These markings are one part of a wider world of adornment. Dance costumes, jewellery and ceremonial clothing offer other ways to transform appearance, from the bold body of a tattooed devotee to the carefully dressed figure of a performer.