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'Sacred Ink', Cedric Arnold, Thailand
ARTIST Cedric Arnold
MEDIUM Black and white photograph
DIMENSIONS 117 x 112 cm
ACQUISITION Donated by Cedric Arnold in 2012.
REFERENCE LDSAC 2022.5.26
The use of protective Tattoos has been common practice for centuries in Thailand. Old temple murals show epic scenes of swords breaking apart when hitting a tattooed soldier’s skin. The tradition has been handed down generations of both monks and laymen who create the tattoos and empower them through prayers. Since yantras can be drawn on cloth, paper, wood or sheets of metal, most opt for this option to protect themselves from harm and improve their luck. The yantras are placed in cars and homes, or even worn as amulets. In Thai society, tattoos are still very much associated with prisoners and gangsters. However, a renewed interest in the practice is attracting men and women alike from wider society. Yantra tattoos are going more mainstream, along the lines of western tattooing. The photograph was taken by French-British documentary photographer Cedric Arnold and was given to the School by Arnold after his exhibition entitled, Sacred ink – the Tattoo Master: Thailand’s spiritual ‘Yantra’ tattoo tradition, in the Brunei Gallery, 29 October-15 December 2012.
This is part of the SOAS Artwork & Object Collections. See more https://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/collections/
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