Beyond surface level - Buntheun's exploration of Khmer tattooing

Traditionally in Cambodia, tattoo art is commonly referred to as Sakyant, inspired by the Buddhist, Hindu and Animist traditions of the ancient Khmer kingdom.

The designs are derived mostly from Sanskrit scriptures and what's called Yantra.

The curly, often ornate designs can be powerful symbols, markings of identity, spirituality and protection from evil spirits.

And like Thai tattoos, they've gotten really popular with tourists of

late, seeing more locals wanting to learn more about the craft.

So in terms of the actual tattooing practice, how has it changed over the years in Cambodia when you talk to practitioners there and you realize that they're still trying to keep this ancient practice alive? And what way have they had to adapt to modern times?

um yeah it's i think a lot of people that they do tattoo are travelers that travel through and it's like they you know they want to receive those those tattoos and and feel have that experience through that process and and a lot of them like the economy is funded by tourism in And there are Cambodians that receive it, but it's far and few because the newer generation don't really understand it too much.

But they do, but they start to see it as, oh, no, that's an old thing.

I'd rather get a snake and a dragon or something, you know, like, but it's cool.

I think over time, I think when people age, you know, they have a better level understanding because I think about that too.

I'm like...

Because I got into tattooing quite late, and if I got into it earlier, I'd probably be a different tattooer.

I think I just got lucky on the circumstances I was placed.