Sak Yant (สักยันต์) is an intricate and traditional form of Thai tattoos. In its purest form, it has spiritual meaning and significance. The word “sak” means “tattoo,” and “yant” comes from the Sanskrit word “yantra,” referring to sacred geometric designs or symbols.
The Sak Yant tattoo is a sacred Thai tattoo that originated in ancient Cambodia and spread to Thailand. The tattoos have elements of Buddhism, Animism, and Brahmanism. The practice has evolved over centuries to become a distinctive Thai tradition.
Common Sak Yant designs include:
- The Hah Taew (ห้าแถว)—These are five lines of script designed by a Buddhist monk, applied vertically and believed to offer protection and blessings.
- The Gao Yord (เก้ายอด) – These are nine mountains or peaks that represent the nine planets and specific blessings.
- The Yant Phra Pidta – This is a design featuring a seated Buddha with hands covering the eyes. It’s believed to offer protection from temptation and evil spirits.
- The Yant Suea – This is a tiger design that can take many forms and offers protection, strength, power and courage.
As the designs carry specific meanings and purposes for each person, tattoos are often tailored to the individual’s needs or specifications.
Tattooing Process:
Sak Yant tattoos are traditionally applied by using a metal rod or bamboo stick by a skilled monk or a tattoo master known as an “Ajarn.” Nowadays, Sak Yant tattoos may also be done using a tattoo machine. However, the meanings and spiritual aspects of the tattoos remain important.
Prayers and mantras are often recited during the tattooing process to empower and imbue the design with spiritual energy.
The Role of Monks and Ajarns:
Sak Yant tattoos are traditionally done by Buddhist monks in wats or temples, although some tattoo masters (Ajarn) who have received special training also practice the art in tattoo studios. The ritual of receiving a Sak Yant is a deeply spiritual experience, and it’s common for Buddhist chants to accompany the experience and for people to ask for specific blessings or protections based on their lifestyles and needs.
In some cases, the tattoo may require a specific ceremony or blessing to activate the spiritual powers of the design.
Placement on the Body
Sak Yant tattoos are traditionally placed above the waist as a sign of respect. However, some designs, such as those depicting animals, can be placed below the waist.
The most common locations of Sak Yant Tattoos are:
- Collarbone: the Yant Soy Sung Warn design is traditionally placed just below or on the collarbone.
- Ribs, arms and hands: Small Sak Yan tattoos can be applied in these areas above the waist.
- Shoulders, back and base of the neck: These are the most common areas of Sak Yant tattoos, specifically for the Yant Ha Taew design.
Celebrities with Sak Yant Tattoos
Angelina Jolie was probably the first celebrity to introduce Sak Yant tattoos to the world when she got five tattoos while providing service to the UN Refugee Agency of UNHCR in Cambodia. Her husband at the time, Brad Pitt, also wears a Sak Yant tattoo. Recording artist Ed Sheeran wears a permissible Sak Yant design below the waist on his leg.
Choose PUREInk. for Your Sak Yant Tattoos
Many Thai people choose to have a Sak Yant tattoo done on momentous occasions in their lives. At PUREInk., Yantra tattooing is done in a manner that respects the Thai Buddhist traditions of this ancient art form. Visit PUREInk. when you’re ready for a quality Sak Yant Tattoo.
