Kammu (Khmu') carrying wood

Photographer

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

Date

• May 1957

Summary

• These are Kammu (Khmu') people, as can be seen from the characteristic tattoos on the man's legs. 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).