Long before we had tattoo machines and all of the wonderful
accessories we have today, people had a much simpler method for tattooing using
bamboos. Today this type of tattooing is achieved by attaching very fine
needles to the end of a thin piece of bamboo using cotton. The needle is dipped
into the ink and then very gently tapped into the skin.
Although nobody is 100% certain where this method of
tattooing originated from, it is believed to have come about during the Khmer
period around 3000 years ago. Mummies from the Ibaloi people have been found in
the Philippines with bamboo tattoos still visible, decorated with animals and
geometric designs.
Thailand has a very rich history associated with bamboo
tattoos. Bamboo tattooing began for them in the Buddhist temples. Many monks
would receive religious text bamboo tattoos from grand master monks for
protection! Not only did it offer them
protection, but also represented their dedication to their faith. 
Many soldiers would travel to be tattooed by the monks, getting
tattoos that represented strength, protection or invisibility. There are even
legends stating that Thailand has never been occupied as the Thai soldiers are
warrior ghosts who cannot be seen or killed by the enemy due to their
protective tattoos.
This form of tattooing continues to carry on throughout time
because for many it is more primal and spiritual to be tattooed with this
method, carrying deep meaning regarding people’s virtues, blessings and
prayers. When monks would do bamboo tattoos they followed a ritual for each
one, blessing the stencil, needle and bamboo itself! Once the tattoo was
completed a prayer would be whispered over it, bringing protection, happiness,
luck and wealth.
