Sak Yant, the ancient art of Khmer tattoo. Each symbol and each position provide special meaning, significance and protection. For your mother? Front left shoulder. Tiger? Do you walk in the jungle?
Read on for the most up to date contact details in 2022 for the best Sak Yant artists I know in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Your Sak Yant artist will discuss with you your reasons for wanting the ink and show you examples that have been kept alive and studied for centuries.
History
Originating with indigenous tribes, its roots in sacred animism, Sak Yant was first recorded and practised in Cambodia over 2000 years ago.
Sak means to tap. Yantra is a prayer/chant/spell.
Some yantra designs have been adapted from pre-Buddhist shamanism and the belief in animal spirits that can still be found in Southeast Asia.
Using sanskrit, ancient texts of Khmer, Hinduism and Buddhism, combined with grids, lines, mandalas, images of buddhas, fierce tigers and other worldly creatures this ancient skin ritual is said to provide protection, supernatural blessings and material wealth.
Modern Practice
A resurgence in the international interest of Sak Yant has spread over the last few decades. Tourism, international trends in tattooing and the added glamour of Jolie’s back piece inspiring flocks of backpackers to follow suit.
We urge caution when deciding if a Sak Yant is for you. Do you have roots and/or reason in Cambodia? This inking comes with more than ink and is held sacred and powerful by the Khmer. Please be responsible.
If Sak Yant is a must for you, gather your blessing offerings of betel nut, incense, candles, tobacco and malu leaves, the local market will help you, and give the guys below a call.
They are the best I know, are dedicated to the preservation and study of ancient Khmer culture as well as following modern health & safety standards. They are both also Bokator practitioners and can give guidance to any martial artists wanting to explore Bokator whilst in county.
Note: All photographs above this point are mine all below this point have been provided by customers of Morodok Studios or the Khmer Federation of Sak Yant
Introductions
Siem Reap – Master Teven Say
Master Teven is Founder of the Federation of Khmer Sak Yant and campaigns for the conservation of Khmer heritage.
Also a Bokator (Khmer martial art) teacher and Master, we can’t recommend any one better for your Sak Yant and blessing in Siem Reap.
+855 862 00253
Phnom Penh – Mr Seven
Seven was trained by Teven in both Sak Yant and Bokator in Siem Reap. Now based in the big city at Morodok Studio’s.
He is an excellent tattoo and Sak Yant artist who can also organise your monks blessing.
+855 956 07518
www.facebook.com/seven.ven.790
Morodok Tattoo Studio
Ville De Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
Cambod
Note: The telephone numbers are up to date as of February 2022. Contact them directly via phone or via facebook messenger, fb is the key social media in Cambodia.
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