To assess the ethnic identity and Archaeological values, Patterns and portraits of Tattoos of Tai Lue Kalom

Abstract

This research was funded by the National Geographic Foundation for Science and Exploration (Grant number Asia-19-15). The objective was to examine the tattooing customs and patterns of the Tai Lue Kalom community, as well as to capture images of persons adorned with tattoos from Nayang hamlet, located in the Luang Prabang region of Laos. This was accomplished via the use of qualitative research techniques. Information was gathered from three specific categories of individuals: Key Informants, Casual Informants, and General Informants. The study revealed that the designs and body art of the Tai Lue Kalom community may be categorized into three primary sections: top, middle, and bottom. Tai Lue boys often begin receiving tattoos between the ages of 14 and 20, coinciding with the initiation period known as "Khan Lai" in the native language. Tai Lue guys believe tattoos, primarily depicting animals such as "Mom" and "Phoenix", to be a crucial aspect of their identity. The tattooing apparatus comprises a tattoo needle and ink. The needle is constructed with a wooden handle and has tips crafted from either iron or copper. The ink is composed of animal fat derived from species such as bears or snakes, blended with soot obtained from kerosene. Currently, there are only 15 guys who possess traditional Tai Lue Kalom tattoos and may be photographed. The subjects were meticulously captured through the use of Portrait Photography methods in their authentic living environments, accompanied by narratives highlighting the significance of their tattoos. These narratives included references to specific locations, such as riverside areas where young men would historically disrobe to bathe together, and where individuals without tattoos were not permitted to join. The investigation reached a definitive conclusion. Examining the ritual via an ethnic theory lens reveals that tattooing functioned as a distinctive symbol of the Lue ethnic identity and maybe shared cultural ties with other Tai ethnic groups in the area. Moreover, the photographic record of persons adorned with customary tattoos is a visually captivating account, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding culture and the diminishing but enduring practice of tattooing in Nayaang Village.