Batok: The exploration of indigenous filipino tattooing as a collective occupation

Batok (also known as Fatek/Burik/Tatak/Batek/Patik) is an indigenous Filipino tattooing practice where the practitioner marks the skin by hand-tapping the ink using bone/wood implements. The Batok process is commemorated as a ceremony, where the surrounding community of the individual are present for the practice. Batok markings can vary depending on region, gender, and roles. Previous research on tattooing has explored an occupational science perspective on Western tattooing and its engagement and implication on the individual - recognizing its practice to be considered as an occupation (Kay & Brewis, 2017). However, little focus has been explored on indigenous tattooing practices - specifically the Filipino tattooing practice of Batok - and its meaning among all members of the ceremony. The study aims to address Batok as a collective occupation post-colonialism and imperialism and to add to the knowledge base of occupational science, knowledge of occupation, and diversity of occupation (Hocking, 2009).

This study used a phenomenological approach and experiences of individual Filipino people with Batok and their family and/or community will be analyzed through interviews, video observation, and photo elicitation. The participants will be grouped by “family.” Each group will have the individual with the Batok and 1-2 family/community members of the individual with Batok. Participants with Batok are all Filipina women. All researchers of this study identify as Filipina women. The research is guided by a cultural insider who has gone through the process of receiving Batok.

Anticipated themes include: connection to ancestors, gender roles, and cultural preservation. Research is ongoing and all data will be collected by May 2021 and analyzed by September 2021.

There is a gap in the studies of occupational therapy and occupational science in viewing Batok through a collective occupational lens and the experiences of Filipino people who have received Batok. Framed in theories of Collective Occupation (Ramugondo & Kronenberg, 2015), Doing, Being, Becoming (Wilcock, 2002), and Belonging (Hitch et al., 2014) the research explores how Batok as a collective occupation affects the experiences of Filipino communities.