Kammu (Khmu') with tattoos

Photographer

Halpern, Joel M. (Joel Martin), 1929-

Date

• 1957

Summary

• Although he is not an ethnic Lao, the tattoos on this man's chest seem to mimic the shape of a Lao-style stupa ("that"). There are a number of reasons for Kammu to have tattoos. One motivation is that this display enhances the prestige of the individual. Another reason is that the tattoo confers protection from spirits who might "devour" a person. The tattoo is regarded as a poison to the spirits (personal communication, Damrong Tayanin, Co-Director, Kammu Research Project, University of Lund, May 10, 2005). This man's black pants and general manner contrast with the man in 5-102b although they are both from the same village. The tied strings on his hands seem to indicate that he has just been in a healing ceremony to cope with his health problems which seem readily apparent.