／Facial Tattoo Culture／

For Atayal people of Smangus, "Facial Tattoo" was an identity of honor in the early years.

Men must have a hunting skill and women must learn to weave. After that they can get a tattoo in the face as a signal of pride and maturity.

The ceremony of facial tattoo was usually held in winter. The process was very painful. The masters of facial tattoo punched the needles into the dermis, cut flesh surface, coat the wound with soot. The area of facial tattoo for men is on the forehead and chin, and for women’s is on the forehead and cheek.

Facial tattoo is not only the characteristic of Atayal saying and ethnic identity but also the core of the Atayal people’s belief. The Atayal people believe that after death the soul will return to the place where the ancestors are. There is a rainbow bridge in front of the place, ancestors will be there as guardians. Only sons with facial tattoos could go back to the place, and souls without facial tattoo will wander forever in the world.

Tattoos of Smangus tribe （Images source：Smangus tribe）