Apo Whang-Od, 106, the World’s Longest-Living Tattoo Artist, Becomes Vogue’s Oldest Cover Model

Apo Whang-Od, the 106-year-old Filipino woman and legendary tattoo artist, has made history as the newest cover model for Vogue Philippines. Despite the ban on traditional headhunting (which was a rite of passage for men engaged in this practice), Whang-Od has become renowned for her cultural tattoos and has tattooed more women than men. Most importantly, she’s now passing all of her knowledge on to keep her culture and art alive.

Vogue got a new face.

Vogue Philippines has made history with its newest cover model — Apo Whang-Od, also known as Maria Oggay. At 106 years old, she is an indigenous Kalinga woman and a legendary tattoo artist who hails from the mountain village of Buscalan.

Whang-Od has been practicing the traditional tattooing technique called batok since she was a teenager, using only a sharp stick and charcoal soot. Her skill and dedication to her art have given her widespread recognition, making her a true inspiration to many.

So many people around the world come to see her.

Whang-Od’s fame has not only put her on the map, but it has also helped bring attention to the small rural village of Buscalan. Tourists and tattoo enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit her, contributing to the growth of the local economy.

And the best part is that Whang-Od does not keep her skills to herself, as she is passing on her knowledge to her grandnieces, Grace Palicas and Elyang Wigan, ensuring that the traditional art of mambabatok will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Vogue Philippines tweeted that Apo Maria ’Whang-Od’ Oggay embodies the resilience and splendor of the Filipino people. As the last remaining mambabatok of her generation, she has skillfully etched the symbols of the Kalinga tribe that represent courage, fortitude, and beauty onto people’s skin.

Despite now only giving her three-dot signature sign-off on her grandnieces’ tattoo work, Whang-Od has no plans of stopping her craft anytime soon. In an interview with Vogue, she revealed her intention to keep creating tattoos for as long as she is physically able.

She also expressed her willingness to share her art with visitors from afar, stating in the Butbut language, “When visitors come from far away, I will give them the tatak Buscalan, tatak Kalinga for as long as my eyes can see.”

She broke a record, becoming Vogue’s oldest cover star.

Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief, Bea Valdes, shared that the decision to put Whang-Od on the cover was a unanimous one among the staff. They believe that Whang-Od embodies the beauty of Filipino culture, which is one of their ideals. According to Valdes, the concept of beauty should include diversity and inclusivity, and they hoped to highlight the beauty of humanity through this cover.

Whang-Od’s appearance on the cover of Vogue Philippines broke the record for the oldest Vogue cover model, previously held by Judi Dench, who appeared on the front of British Vogue in 2020 at the age of 85. This feat only adds to Whang-Od’s legacy as an influential figure in preserving the traditional art of batok and representing the beauty of the Filipino culture.

Looking at Whang-Od’s life and legacy, we can see the richness and beauty of the Filipino culture. Her mastery of the traditional tattooing technique called batok, and her dedication to preserving it, is truly remarkable. Whang-Od’s story is a reminder of how important it is to celebrate and honor the traditions and customs that make us all unique.

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