Tattooing is a very old and spiritually respected art form existing in many different cultures around the world. This is the first serious study of Filipino tattoos. It presents cultural practices connected with ancestral and spiritual aspects of tattoo markings, and how they relate to the process and tools used to make the marks. In the Philippine Islands, tattoos were applied to men and women for many different reasons. Certain designs recognized manhood and personal accomplishments as well as attractiveness, fertility, and continuity of the family or village. Facial tattoos occurred on the bravest warriors with names that denoted particular honor. The relationship between Filipino tattoos and its introduction into the West by 16th century Spanish explorers is examined. Through the fascinating text and over 200 images, including colour photographs and design drawings, the deep meanings and importance of these markings becomes apparent. AUTHOR: Lane Wilcken has been researching the indigenous past of the Philippines and the Pacific Islands for nearly two decades, incorporating oral traditions, written history, linguistics, and personal experience. SELLING POINTS: -Explores the history of Filipino tattoos -Individual motifs identified and explained -Tattoo similarities with the Pacific Islands explored ILLUSTRATIONS 93 colour & 113 b/w images