19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Preparing for a batok session

This photo shows Lane Wilcken, a "mambabatok," who is a Filipino tattoo practitioner and only uses ancient hand-tapping tattoo techniques. He is sharpening his tool to be used in the ceremony of the day. Behind him are his apprentices who are also skin stretchers of the individuals who are receiving their batok (hand-tapped tattoo).

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3500
Copyright: © Sandy Lacro