14/10/2026
At 109 years old, a woman in the Philippines is still helping preserve an ancient tattooing tradition that has been passed down through generations. ❤️
Her name is Apo Whang-Od, and she is widely regarded as one of the world's oldest traditional tattoo artists.
Born around 1917, she has lived through more than a century of history, witnessing two world wars, enormous technological changes and the transformation of modern society.
But throughout it all, she has remained dedicated to the traditions of her ancestors.
Whang-Od lives in Buscalan, a remote mountain village in the Philippines, where she practises an ancient form of tattooing known as batok.
Unlike modern tattoo artists, she doesn't use an electric tattoo machine.
Instead, she creates intricate designs using traditional hand-tapping techniques, a bamboo tool, a thorn and ink traditionally made from soot and water.
Each tattoo carries cultural significance, with designs historically representing courage, beauty, identity and personal achievements.
Whang-Od began learning the craft as a teenager, taught by her father.
And over the following decades, she became one of the most respected guardians of the Kalinga people's tattooing traditions.
In 2023, at the reported age of 106, she made history by appearing on the cover of Vogue Philippines, becoming the oldest person ever to grace a Vogue cover.
Her photograph introduced millions of people around the world to a tradition that had existed for centuries.
But perhaps her greatest achievement isn't her international fame.
It's the fact that she has helped teach younger generations, including her grandnieces, ensuring the ancient art can continue long into the future.
Today, at a reported 109 years old, Apo Whang-Od represents something truly extraordinary.
A living connection to generations of history, carrying a cultural tradition that might otherwise have faded away.
More than a century of life, and a legacy that could last for centuries more. ❤️
