BIBLIOGRAPHY CAOILI, JENILYN L. APRIL 2008....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CAOILI, JENILYN L. APRIL 2008. Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Christine Grace B. Sidchogan, BSc
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted in Benguet Provincial Jail, La Trinidad, Benguet to
characterize the profile of the respondents, to describe the designs of the tattoo, to
determine the meanings or implication of design of the tattoo, and to identify the reasons
for having tattoo.
Twenty five respondents and two key informants were chosen using purposive
quota sampling method. The respondents belonged to different age brackets, all had
attended formal education and were married and single. Photos were also taken for
documentation.
Based on the results, prisoners enumerated several designs. However, the
common designs were dragon, heart, flower and G.I.G. (Genuine Igorot Gang) letters.
Only a few of them have symbolic meanings of their tattoo. The tattoo attached
with meanings symbolizes wife, brotherhood, brokenhearted, long lasting love, liberty or
death, God is Good, God’s eye which symbolizes loneliness, God’s commandment “thou
shall not kill” and shame.
The prisoners have different reasons for having a tattoo. It is for skin art, to ease
boredom, belongingness, just for fun, love and lastly brokenheart.
It is then recommended that the individual who has a tattoo should not be
perceived as an ex-convict or a criminal because it is a skin art for others and because it
has symbolic meanings that represent one’s feelings and emotions.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
iii
INTRODUCTION
Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Objectives of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Scope and Limitation of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Tattoo meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
. Tattoo Reasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Data Gathered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Common Designs of Tattoos their Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
iii
Other Tattoo Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
Feelings of the Prisoners After Being Tattooed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Regrets of Respondents for Having a Tattoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Reasons for Choosing A Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Location of the Tattoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Reasons for Having a Tattoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
Years of Having Tattoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
APPENDIX A. Communication Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
APPENDIX B. Interview Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
iv
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Everyone is an artist by nature. People portray different styles for a quality
appearance in expressing things from within.
Symbolism is a means of interpreting reality. It is considered to be a
communication tool to disseminate things that happen in all aspects of life. It signifies
meanings that will create relevance to the existence of living. This has a great influence
in shaping the style and structure of how our individuality pictures our personality. The
art of symbolism has a sense of conveying the in-depth representations of what we saw or
what we learned.
Tattoo art exemplifies the alter style of symbolism. The figures provide a source
of personal identity, the reflection of human behaviors and conditions.
Tattoos are made by the tattoo needles pushing ink into the deeper dermis layer of
the skin. This layer sheds cells at a much slower rate than the epidermis thereby allowing
the tattoo to last your lifetime. The tattoo remains visible due to the translucent nature of
the epidermis. The first step in the development of a tattoo is the outlining. This is usually
where the greatest pain is encountered. The first few strokes will be the worst until the
person’s body has a chance to adjust to the pain. How much pain and how it feels is
dependent on the person’s tolerance (Kromarik, 2003).
As Agoncillo (1975) also said that adornment of the body is not only by wearing
costly and heavy jewels, but by tattooing it with various designs. The tattoo then, is a
form of ornament to enhance beauty of the man or woman.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
2
However, due to the diversity of life, it is now being used in any purposes. In
today’s generation, they use this art for belongingness, for fraternities and gangs. But
despite this, each of us has his personal reasons for having tattoo/s. It is a great way of
projecting our individuality and personality to the outside world. It tells others people
about our nature and approach to life.
Like for the prisoners, we look them as criminals especially when we can see that
they have tattoo/s. But in their world, they have their own inner thoughts which they can
not express such as their emotions orally, hatreds, frustrations and depressions. They
address these in a form of tattoo, which they are practicing until now.
In our locality, people see the tattoo/s alone as heirlooms of the body, others see
them as pictures for fraternities or as a mark of something different among other people.
People lack knowledge about its symbolical meanings and representations. People may
appreciate them but they do not understand what the tattoos are for. Considering that the
tattoos are visible to the prisoners in La Trinidad Provincial Jail, this study then aims to
document the practice of tattooing among the prisoners.
Statement of the Problem
This study answered the following:
1. What is the profile of the respondents?
2. What are the designs of the tattoo?
3. What are the meanings or implication of designs of the tattoo?
4. What are the reasons for having a tattoo?
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
3
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of the study were:
1. To characterize the profile of the respondents;
2. To describe the designs of the tattoo;
3. To determine the meanings or implication of design of the tattoo; and
4. To identify the reasons for having tattoo.
Importance of the Study
The study attempts to help the people appreciate and apprehend the symbolical
meaning of tattoo and to inspire the people on the essence of tattooing. Moreover, it
seeks to promote the relevance of this art to our locality and to provide an insight of the
symbolical meaning of these figures among prisoners.
Scope and Limitation
The study only focused on the symbolic meaning of the prisoners tattoo. Twenty-
five prisoners with tattoos and two key informants were interviewed.
The study was conducted from December –January 2008 at the Benguet
Provincial Jail, La Trinidad , Benguet.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Tattoo Meanings
Tattoos are an expression of individuality. Here are the list of the most popular
tattoos and their meanings (inkedmagonline.com).
DESIGNS MEANING
Angel tattoo
Protection, guardians, keepers of dreams
Bird tattoo
Birth, intuition, freedom.
Spiritual immortality, temporary element of
Butterfly tattoo
life.
Cross tattoo
Sacrifice, love and salvation.
Devil(baby)tattoo
Mischievousness, urgent desire for sex.
Dragon tattoo
Strength, power. Rules over fire and air.
Dragonfly tattoo
Affinity with the Spiritual Life. Illusion.
Eye tattoo
Self protection. Ever watching!
Fairy tattoo
Good or evil supernatural powers.
Feather tattoo
Creativity, rebirth and spiritual elevation.
Love, provided it is neither bloody nor torn
Heart tattoo
into pieces.
Leaf tattoo
Joy, rebirth
Rose tattoo
Fertility.
Skull tattoo
Courage, death
Sun tattoo
Sacredness of life. Warmth, nurturing.
Sword tattoo
Represents justice, honour, energy
Yin yang tattoo
Harmony and totality
Reasons for Having a Tattoo
There are many reasons why people choose to have a tattoo on their body,
including: Cultural reasons – i.e. coming of age or rites of passage; To express
individuality; To indicate membership of a particular group or way of life; To make a
statement; To establish a permanent reminder of an event – such as the death of a loved
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
5
one; To reclaim the body after an event – for example, a sexual assault; To make the
body more pleasing to their eye and to annoy parents (http://www.cyh.com).
Apart from its decorative purpose, tattooing has been practiced for a variety
reasons. In some cultures, it has ritualistic significance in puberty or maturity rites. It has
been believed to have talismanic powers against disease or ill luck; and it has been
employed to mark criminals and persecuted group. To the Polynesians it is a mark of
wealth and social prestige (Norwich, 1990).
People get tattooed to mark an important point in their live that they have reached
or to mark a milestone in their life like a marriage, birth of a baby, a divorce or even the
coming of age. Some people get tattooed because all their friends are getting them
(tattoos) and they think that it would be cool to get one. This is one of the more popular
reasons people get tattoos now days. Then there are the others who get tattooed simply
because they like tattoos and they get tattooed just because they like tattoos (Hubbard,
2002).
Tattoo is for loved ones. Some get them to remember a love done who passed
away and some get their sons or daughters names or faces on them as a gesture of love.
For religious tattoo it serves as a devotion to their beliefs, and is very commendable
(Straiten, 2007).
Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of
decorations for bravery and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, protection
and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts. The impact of tattoos varies in different
places and cultures, sometimes with unintended consequences (Jackson, 2007).
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
6
For most people today, getting a tattoo is more of a lifestyle choice than an
expression of religious faith, or an appeal for fertility. As (Lockhart, 2005) explained that
“though the tattoo may be only skin deep, its significance can run as deep as the soul.”
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
La Trinidad, which is known as the salad bowl of the Philippines and the
Strawberry capital of the Philippines, is located 3 km north of Baguio City and is 256 km
north of Manila. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Tublay, on the south by
Baguio, and on the west by Sablan and Tuba. The terrain is generally mountainous with
springs, rivers and creeks. La Trinidad's valley floor elevation is at 1300 meters above
sea level. Elevation ranges from 500 to 1700 meters above sea level.
La Trinidad was chosen as the place of study because this is the place where
tattooing is visible among the prisoners.
Respondents of the study
Twenty-five respondents and two key informants were selected. A criterion used
is that respondents should have a tattoo on any part of the body.
Data Collection
The researcher personally interviewed the respondents using interview schedule
and photos of tattoos were taken.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
8
Figure 1. Map of Benguet showing the location of the study
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
9
Data Gathered
Data gathered were the physical features of the tattoo. It includes the designs, the
reasons for having tattoo and the meanings or implication of the tattoo.
Data Analysis
Data gathered were consolidated, summarized, and tabulated. It was analyzed
using descriptive statistics such as percentage.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents
Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents according to age, civil status, and
educational attainment. In terms of age, most of the respondents (44%) belonged to the
age bracket of 20-25 years old. This implies that having tattoo can be applied as young as
twenty years old. Moreover, the oldest among the respondents was 55 years old.
In the civil status of the respondents, most (76%) of the respondents were single
and 24% of the respondents were married.
For the educational attainment of the respondents, all of the respondents were
educated. Most of the respondents (76%) have reached elementary level and 16% of them
have reached high school level. Moreover, 12% of the respondents were elementary
graduate and only 8% of the respondents were high school level.
Table 1. Profile of the respondents
AGE
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
20 – 25
11
44
26 – 30
5
20
31 – 35
3
12
36 - 40
2
8
41 – 45
2
8
46 – 50
1
4
51 – 55
1 4
TOTAL
25 100
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
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Common Designs of Tattoos and their Symbolic Meanings
In Benguet Provincial Jail, the respondents enumerated several designs but only
few of them have symbolic meaning.
Table 2 presents the common designs and symbolic meaning attached to the
prisoners’ tattoo. It includes the following: dragon, heart, flower, and letters such as the
Genuine Igorot Gang (G.I.G.)
According to Mr. Eugene who is a tattoo maker in the jail, the dragon was one of
the most preferred tattoo design of the prisoners who want to have tattoo.
Moreover, Mr. Gabriel who is also a tattoo artist said that heart is one of the
designs that the prisoners choose especially those who are brokenhearted or those
prisoners who cannot let go of their love.
The similarities of the different four dragon designs were the dominant colors,
which are red and green. Their tails have the same style and the zigzag looks are similar.
The three dragons have the same color of the skin, which is black. It was observed that
the position of the dragons implies that they are ready to fight.
On the contrary, the differences of the four, as was observed was, two dragons
were puffing a fire while the other two were not. The colors of the spikes were also
different from each other. The first dragon has color blue, the second was red, the third
was red green and the last used green color.
Furthermore, only the first dragon has a symbolic meaning. It symbolizes wife
and brotherhood. As cited by inkedmagonline.com, the dragons signify strength and
power. For the case of brotherhood, a person with a dragon tattoo is powerful because he
has “brothers” who protects him.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
12
Moreover, the heart design has different concepts. It can be observed that all of
the tattoos have female names on it. The dominant colors used were red and black.
On the other side, two of the five heart designs have swords on it. An arrow was
also inserted in one of the tattoos. It can also be observed that they differ in linings, tattoo
designs/accessories such as flame, wings and sun.
In addition, only two designs of heart have attached meaning, it symbolizes a long
lasting love and brokenhearted. As cited by inkedmagonline.com, heart tattoo means love
which provide neither bloody nor torn into pieces.
When it comes to the flower designs, both have a dominant color which is black.
It can be observed though the flowers were not the main focus of the design, they were
just added to make the designs lively and colorful.
According to Jose Bulatan, he included the flowers in his tattoo because it is a
good design.
The G.I.G (Genuine Igorot Gang) tattoos also have similarities. Aside from the
text, which is G.I.G, the dominant color used was black. A mountain and a bird were also
used in the tattoo.
The differences, however, include the placement of a word and a phrase. One
tattoo contains the phrase “Cordillera” on top of it, “Liberty or Death” and the name
“Jethro” below it.
Furthermore, they have different concepts. As said by one of the respondents, “it
depends on how you will elaborate the designs but the letters G.I.G. should be
emphasized because this will serve as your identification”. The two designs symbolizes
God is Good, liberty or death, brotherhood and identification.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
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Table 2. Common design and their symbolic meanings
ATTACHED
COMMON DESIGNS
DESCRIPTION
MEANING
Dragon
The dominant color was Symbolizes wife,
black. It can be seen that the brotherhood, strength
skin has spiky scales and the
color is blue. The dragon in the
figure is puffing a fire. Its shape
portrays a zigzag look, a typical
form of a dragon. This image
was located on the arm of one of
the respondents.
none
Its dominant color was green
and the rest of it was color red.
Just like Figure 1.a, it has spiky
scales and its shape portrays a
zigzag look. This tattoo was also
located on the arm of the
respondent.
none
The style is same with other
previous dragons discussed. The
skin has spiky scales, which is
color black. It only differs
among the different dragons
when it comes to the color of the
spikes and tail. This one used
the colors red and green.
none
The dragon is also puffing a fire
which has a color of red. The
skin has spiky scales and the
color of this spike is green. This
one is the longest among the
four tattoos.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
14
Table 2. continued
COMMON DESIGNS
DESCRIPTION
ATTACHED
MEANING
Heart
It only use colors red and black. For
the edges of the design, a black
color was used. The heart has six
none
wings and a sun above the heart. A
name Rose was written in the heart
that was located at the middle of the
tattoo.
It uses the dominant color red. For
the edges of the design, a black color Long lasting love
was used. The heart has six wings
and a sun above the heart. A name
Rose was written in the heart, which
was located at the middle of the
tattoo.
The dominant color used was black
that surrounds the heart. A flame was
none
placed above the heart.
This heart design used different
colors that made it appealing: red,
yellow, blue, and black for the edges
Brokenhearted,
of the design. This design has a
brotherhood
sword which was inserted in the
heart and a flame was placed above
the heart. A phrase “Bakit Pa” was
located above the design. There
were names written surrounding the
design. Male names (Marvin and
Sammy) were written in both sides
of the flame. Female names (Grace
and Clare) were also written below
the design. A name (Zeny) was
written on a ribbon which was placed
on the center of the heart.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
15
Table 2. continued
ATTACHED
COMMON DESIGN
DESCRIPTION
MEANING
The heart was struck with an arrow on
none
the right side and a sword was inserted
on the left side of the heart. A lining
design was used inside the heart
(diagonal, vertical, and horizontal).
Letter G was located on both sides of
the heart and a name “Ofelia” was
written below the design. There were
other designs that surround the heart
such as asteris.
Flower
It used different designs like circular, a
none
cloudy look-alike, diagonal and spiral
shapes, which made the appearance
beautiful. Although the flower was not
the main focus, it still portrayed art.
There were different colors used such
as green, red and white. The dominant
color was black
Flowers were added to make the tattoo
none
lively or add variation to the plainness,
according to the respondent. He further
said that the design will appear dull
without the flowers. It can be noted
that the face of the character is sad.
The flower somehow brightened it up.
G.I.G. letters
It was a simple design. It used color
God is Good,
blue- green to make the design identification,
colorful. This was placed on the fore
Brotherhood.
finger of the respondent. This letter
means Genuine Igorot Gang
COMMON DESIGN
ATTACHED
DESCRIPTION
MEANING
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
16
It was also a different style of
design. G.I.G. letters were placed
and a pyramid was situated on the
none
letter itself. There were birds on
both sides of the pyramid.
Compared to the previous two
G.I.G tattoos, this one has more Liberty or death,
variations. This design was tattooed
brotherhood
at the back of the prisoner. The
color used was a pure black. A
G.I.G. letter design was placed in a
bold style. Like figure 4.b, a
mountain was situated in the letter
itself. A bird was placed on both
sides of the mountain. Moreover,
“Cordillera” was written above the
design and a name Jethro was
written below the G.I.G. Below this
name, “Liberty or Death” was
written.
Table 2. Continued
Other Tattoo Designs
Table 3 presents the other designs that the prisoners had. It includes here the
scorpion, butterfly, sun, and sword. Moreover, yin-yang design, faces of Jesus Christ,
Logo of San Miguel and fairy were also used. Some of them have symbolic meaning. As
cited by www.vanishing.com, sun tattoo is very popular with both men and women.
The God’s eye symbolizes loneliness, the logo of San Miguel symbolizes God’s
commandment that is “thou shall not kill”. Furthermore, the fairy symbolizes shame.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
17
As Piersol (2008) cited, “the tattoo design that is chosen is entirely, well at least
most of the time, up to the person who wants to mark their body. It is their way of letting
the world knows what they stand for, love or hate.”
Table 3. Other designs used
ATTACHED
DESIGN DESCRIPTION
MEANING
This scorpion design used the
none
colors red and black. A yin
yang design was included on
top of the scorpion.
The design could not be seen
none
immediately as scorpion but
when you take a closer at it, it
portrays a scorpion. It used
only black color.
The face of Jesus Christ was
Loneliness
also used for designing the
tattoo. The face of Jesus Christ
appeared to be sad, pitiful, with
a sun that surrounds him and
thorns on his head.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
19
Table 3. continued
DESIGN
DESCRIPTION
ATTACHED
MEANING
Just like the cross that we
usually see inside church, Jesus
None
Christ is being crucified.
“INRI” was written at the top of
the cross.
Tattoo portrays sadness and
shame according to the
Shame
respondent. It was tattooed at
the feet of the prisoner. It is
colorful for it uses good
combination to make the design
appealing. The fairy was
surrounded with flowers and
hearts.
The sun surrounded the navel of None
the prisoner. The dominant
color was red and the edges of
the sun was black.
None
It used three colors which were
black, red, and green. It was
observed that the color of the
circle on the red part was green
and for the green part was red.
This tattoo was placed on the
nape of the prisoner.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
20
Table 3. Continued
DESIGN
DESCRIPTION
ATTACHED
MEANING
The skull design was also used.
It was tattooed at the back of the
None
prisoner. Two small skulls were
placed beside the big skull. It
used only one color which is
black.
The design is a devil, though the
face looks like a pig. It has a
none
crown on the head. Its clothes
are color green. The devil has a
tail and he is holding a spear.
Above the design was a phrase,
“conquer me first”.
Feelings of the Prisoners After Being Tattooed
Table 3 presents the feelings of the respondents after being tattooed. More than
half of the prisoners (64%) felt painful. This can be attributed to the fact that tattooing
involves such materials like needles that are used for tattooing. One respondent had fever
for two days.
However, 24% did not feel any pain, they claimed that it is good. Moreover, 8%
felt anumb feeling and 4% felt a stinging feeling
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
21
Table 4. Feelings of the prisoners after being tattooed
FEELINGS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Painful
16
64
Not
painful
6
24
Stinging feeling
2
8
Numb
1
4
TOTAL 25
100
Regrets of Respondents After Being Tattooed
Table 4 presents the regrets of prisoners after having a tattoo. A great majority
(76%) regretted because they realized that having tattoo was bad, they said they could not
have done it in the first place. As one of them puts it, “kauuma nga kitkitaen.”
Moreover, some of them considers it as dirt in the body after all. They explained
this by saying that when they will be released from the jail, their tattoos can be a factor of
not qualifying for a work.
On the contrary, 24 % did not regret having tattoo/tattoos. They said that it feels
nice because it is pleasing to the eye, especially to their “kakosa” and “superiors” in the
gang they belong with. These made them feel they belong to the group they want to stay
with.
As said by one of the respondents, this is one way of expressing their emotions
and this is the only thing they can own for the rest of their lives. One of them said that,
“we have tattoo to show that we are useless because we do not own nothing.”
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
22
As Bronnikov (1993) cited, “a prisoner has nothing of his own, not even decent
clothes…because the only thing that belongs to the prisoners, is his body, it can be
violated bartered or turned into a picture gallery.”
Table 5. Regrets of respondents after being tattooed
REGRETS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
Has regrets
19
76
Did not regret
6
24
TOTAL
25
100
Reasons for Choosing the Design
The main reason of the prisoners for choosing such designs was for art’s sake. As
said by one of the respondents he chose such design because it is a good art to him
“mangipaayayo nga buybuyaen, as he puts it.
Belongingness is also one of the common reasons, especially those who have the
G.I.G tattoo. The tattoo alone means that he belongs to a group.
Others said that having a tattoo is an act of going with the flow inside the jail. As
Charlie Pulonio said, he chose the design because it is a trend inside the jail, so that he
will be “in” in the group.
For fun’s sake is also one of the reasons as said by the respondents in having
tattoo/s. Moreover, it is a tattoo artist choice. One prisoner said that he was not the one
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
23
who chose this design but it is the choice of the one who made his tattoo. He just liked it
eventually so he said that it is a good design.
According to Raymond Binwag, one of the prisoners, he chose the design (heart
which was inserted by a sword titled “Bakit Pa” with different names located at the side
of the design) because he was broken-hearted during that time.
“My girlfriend got married when I was detained and it really hurts because until
now, I still love her despite the pain she brings to me,” he said.
Another prisoner, Eric De Leon, said that he choose the design (face of Jesus
Christ with a thorn which surrounds his head) because it represents his face, lonely and
sad.
But for Eric Padua, he chose the scorpion design because it is his zodiac sign.
As Piersol (2008) cited, tattoos have been and will continue to be a means of
expression. Prison tattoos have a symbolism and culture that is unique. These tattoos can
identify what the prisoner is in for, what they are willing to do, if they can be trusted or
not and many other things.
Table 6. Reason for choosing the design
CATEGORY IMAGE
According to emotions
Love
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
24
Table 6. continued
CATEGORY IMAGE
Brokenheart
Loneliness/ sadness
According to belongingness
Identification, brotherhood
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
25
Table 6. Continued
CATEGORY IMAGE
Gang requirement
Trend inside the jail
According to principle
“Thou shall not kill”
According to choice
Own choice/zodiac sign
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
26
Table 6. Continued
CATEGORY
IMAGE
Tattoo artist’s choice
* Multiple responses
Location of the Tattoos
Table 7 presents the location of the tattoo on the body parts of the prisoners. The
different designs were located on the different parts of the body of the prisoner. Forty-
eight percent of the respondents’ tattoo were situated on their arms, 28% on their backs,
12% on their chests. Furthermore, on the neck, feet and navel has the same response with
4%.
Two respondents claimed that they situated the heart tattoo on their chest because
they were brokenhearted and cannot let go of their love. The rest of the respondents
claimed that they do not have any reason why they located their tattoo on the arm, feet,
back and neck. As one respondent said, “trip ko lang.”
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
27
Table 7. Location of the tattoos
LOCATION NUMBER
OF
RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
Arm 12
48
Back 7
28
Chest 3
12
Neck 1
4
Feet 1
4
Navel 1
4
Reasons for Having a Tattoo
Among the 25 respondents (Table 8), 32 % said that having tattoo is an art to the
body. As they put it, these tattoo/s serves as an outlet of their artistic inclinations.
Twenty percent also claimed that they had a tattoo to ease boredom inside the jail.
This can be attributed to the prisoner’s lifestyle inside the jail where they have a lot of
free time.
Moreover, 16% said that it was just for fun. According to one respondent he said,
“trip ko lang”. Others said that they had it because they are not doing a lot of things
inside the prison. As one them puts it, “kayat ko lang ta awan maararamid ditoy.”
Meanwhile, 12% of the respondents said that having tattoo is for companionship
inside the jail and it is a requirement in a gang. This is in particular to those who are
members of the G.I.G gang.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
28
Moreover, 4% said that it is for love matters such as when they were broken-hearted
and when they deeply love somebody else.
The tattoo/s is also one way of expressing their emotions and this is the only thing
they can own for the rest of their lives. As one of them said, “we have tattoo to show that
we are useless because we do not own nothing.”
As Bronnikov (1993) cited, “a prisoner has nothing of his own, not even decent
clothes…because the only thing that belongs to the prisoners, is his body it can be
violated bartered or turned into a picture gallery.”
Table 8. Reasons for having a tattoo
REASONS NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
Skin art 8 32
Ease boredom 6 24
Belongingness 5
20
Just for fun 4 16
Love 1 4
Brokenhearted 1 4
*Multiple responses
Years of Having Tattoo
From the results, the oldest tattoo was done in the year 1985 and 1989. The rest
were done from the year 2000 onwards.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the symbolic meaning of figures of the
tattoo. Specifically, the study aimed to characterize the profile of the respondents, to
describe the designs of the tattoo, to determine the meanings or implication of design of
the tattoo and to identify the reasons of having a tattoo. Photos of the tattoo were also
taken.
The researcher personally interviewed the respondents who were the prisoners at
the Benguet Provincial jail.
Results showed that the prisoners’ tattoo have different designs. The respondents
enumerated several designs but the common designs used were the dragon, heart, G.I.G
(Genuine Igorot Gang) letters, and flower. Furthermore, majority regretted having tattoo
because they realized that having tattoo was bad. Some of them consider it as dirt in the
body after all. They explained this by saying that when they will be released from the jail,
their tattoos can be a factor of not qualifying for a work.
The reasons for choosing such designs were: it is a good design or a good art, it is
a trend inside the jail or it is just their choice. Other reasons included were: it is the
representation of their love to their sweethearts and a representation of their face such as
loneliness. Moreover, it is a member requirement in a gang such as the G.I.G. (Genuine
Igorot Gang).
Majority of the respondents do not have stories related to their tattoo, it is just for
art’s sake. Other respondents claimed that it is about love and about brotherhood. One
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
30
respondent represent his love to his sweetheart through his tattoo. Others said that it is for
and companionship, it is their choice.
From the findings, only few designs were given symbolic meanings. The dragon
symbolizes brotherhood, identification, fraternity and lastly, symbolizes a wife.
For the heart designs, it symbolizes brokenhearted and love.
The Genuine Igorot Gang (G.I.G) symbolizes that God is Good and the other
meaning were for liberty or death. In addition, it is for brotherhood and for identification
as well.
The eye design, which is God’s eye, symbolizes loneliness and emptiness. The
logo of San Miguel Gin symbolizes the God’s commandment which is, “thou shall not
kill”
Moreover, the fairy symbolizes shame.
The respondents have different reasons for having a tattoo. Majority said that it is
for skin art. Most of them said that they had it to ease their boredom. Moreover,
respondents said that it is just for fun. Others said that having tattoo will mean you have a
companion. It is for group identification and it is a requirement as a gang member to have
tattoo. The rest said that his tattoo symbolizes his lasting love and one prisoner said that it
was to show that they are useless because they do not own nothing. Furthermore, one
prisoner said that he was brokenhearted.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
31
Conclusions
From the findings, the following conclusions were derived:
1. Tattoo comes in different designs. The prisoner or individual who wish to
have a tattoo will be the one to choose the desired design except for gang
requirement.
2. Tattoo designs represent brotherhood, love, brokenheart and shame.
3. Through the tattoo, the prisoners express their past happenings and memories,
this is also one way of expressing their feelings.
4. A primary reason for having a tattoo was for skin art and to ease boredom
inside the jail.
5. Tattoo can be applied as young as twenty years of age.
Recommendation
Based on the findings, it is recommend that an individual who has a tattoo should
not be perceived as an ex-convict or a criminal because it is a skin art for others; and
because it has symbolic meanings that represent one’s feelings and emotions.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
LITERATURE CITED
AGONCILLO, Teodoro. 1975. The Courtsip and Marriage Practices among Philippine
Tribe. OMAR Publications Quezon City, Philippines. p.129
ANONYMOUS.1999.Tattoo Designs and Symbols. Retrieved on December 1, 2007
from http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols.html
ANONYMOUS.2008.Tattoos.Retrieved on February 1,2008 from
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=297&id
=2066
CLARKE, Jim. 2005. Tattoos - more than skin deep...Retrieved on January 3, 2008 from
http://medmediacampaign.com/?id=1612&level=4&var=print
HUBBARD, C.D.2002. What is the reason behind tattoo art evolving into a fashion
statement of present times? Retrieved on December 2, 2008 from
http://www.helium.com/items/780691-there-people-everywhere-tattoos
JACKSON, Brian.2007. Five Reasons Why People Get Tattooes..Retrieved on
December3,2007http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/231335/5reasons_why
people_get_tattoos.html
KROMARIK, Katherine L.2003.Process of Tattooing. Retrieved on December 13,2007
from http://www.msu.edu/~krcmari1/individual/get_process.
NORWICH, John Julius. 1990. The Arts. Oxford University Press. p.447.
PIERSOL, Jack. 2008. History of A Few Tattoo Designs retrieved on January 5, 2008
from http:// ezinearticles.com/?History-of-A-Few_Tattoo-Designs &id = 978511
RUSH, John A.2006. Tattoo Meanings Researching and Interpreting Symbols Used In
Tattoos.. Retrieved on December 2, 2007 from http://www.tattoo-meanings.com/
STRAETEN, Katrien Vender.2007. Tattoos: Reasons, Responsibilities.. Retrieved on
December 2, 2007 from
http://customsholidays.suite101.com/article.cfm/tattoos_reasons_responsibilities
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Communication Letter
Benguet State University
College of Agriculture
DEPARTMENT OF EXTENSION EDUCATION &
DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
La Trinidad, Benguet
January18, 2008
JAMES C. SIMON
Provincial Warden
Benguet Provincial Jail
La Trinidad, Benguet
Sir:
Warm
greetings!
I am a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Development Communication student
of Benguet State University and presently conducting the thesis titled “Symbolic
Meaning of Figures of Prisoners’ Tattoo in Benguet Provincial Jail.”
In this connection I would like to request your good office to allow me to
interview prisoners who have tattoo. Your favorable decision will help me so much in
completing my research undertaking.
Rest assured that all information will be for academic purposes only.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
Truly
yours,
JENILYN CAOILE
Researcher
CHRISTINE GRACE SIDCHOGAN
Adviser
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
Appendix B. Interview Schedule
A. PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS
Name:
Age:
B. DESIGNS
1. What is the design of your tattoo?
2. What do you feel after being tattooed?
3. Why did you choose the design?
C. MEANINGS
• Does your tattoo have a story?
• What is the meaning of your tattoo?
D. REASONS
• When did you have a tattoo?
• What is your reason for having a tattoo?
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
CAOILI, JENILYN L. APRIL 2008. Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Christine Grace B. Sidchogan, BSc
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted in Benguet Provincial Jail, La Trinidad, Benguet to
characterize the profile of the respondents, to describe the designs of the tattoo, to
determine the meanings or implication of design of the tattoo, and to identify the reasons
for having tattoo.
Twenty five respondents and two key informants were chosen using purposive
quota sampling method. The respondents belonged to different age brackets, all had
attended formal education and were married and single. Photos were also taken for
documentation.
Based on the results, prisoners enumerated several designs. However, the
common designs were dragon, heart, flower and G.I.G. (Genuine Igorot Gang) letters.
Only a few of them have symbolic meanings of their tattoo. The tattoo attached
with meanings symbolizes wife, brotherhood, brokenhearted, long lasting love, liberty or
death, God is Good, God’s eye which symbolizes loneliness, God’s commandment “thou
shall not kill” and shame.
The prisoners have different reasons for having a tattoo. It is for skin art, to ease
boredom, belongingness, just for fun, love and lastly brokenheart.
It is then recommended that the individual who has a tattoo should not be
perceived as an ex-convict or a criminal because it is a skin art for others and because it
has symbolic meanings that represent one’s feelings and emotions.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
iii
INTRODUCTION
Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Objectives of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Scope and Limitation of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Tattoo meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
. Tattoo Reasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Data Gathered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Common Designs of Tattoos their Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
iii
Other Tattoo Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
Feelings of the Prisoners After Being Tattooed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Regrets of Respondents for Having a Tattoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Reasons for Choosing A Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Location of the Tattoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Reasons for Having a Tattoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
Years of Having Tattoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
APPENDIX A. Communication Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
APPENDIX B. Interview Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
iv
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Everyone is an artist by nature. People portray different styles for a quality
appearance in expressing things from within.
Symbolism is a means of interpreting reality. It is considered to be a
communication tool to disseminate things that happen in all aspects of life. It signifies
meanings that will create relevance to the existence of living. This has a great influence
in shaping the style and structure of how our individuality pictures our personality. The
art of symbolism has a sense of conveying the in-depth representations of what we saw or
what we learned.
Tattoo art exemplifies the alter style of symbolism. The figures provide a source
of personal identity, the reflection of human behaviors and conditions.
Tattoos are made by the tattoo needles pushing ink into the deeper dermis layer of
the skin. This layer sheds cells at a much slower rate than the epidermis thereby allowing
the tattoo to last your lifetime. The tattoo remains visible due to the translucent nature of
the epidermis. The first step in the development of a tattoo is the outlining. This is usually
where the greatest pain is encountered. The first few strokes will be the worst until the
person’s body has a chance to adjust to the pain. How much pain and how it feels is
dependent on the person’s tolerance (Kromarik, 2003).
As Agoncillo (1975) also said that adornment of the body is not only by wearing
costly and heavy jewels, but by tattooing it with various designs. The tattoo then, is a
form of ornament to enhance beauty of the man or woman.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
2
However, due to the diversity of life, it is now being used in any purposes. In
today’s generation, they use this art for belongingness, for fraternities and gangs. But
despite this, each of us has his personal reasons for having tattoo/s. It is a great way of
projecting our individuality and personality to the outside world. It tells others people
about our nature and approach to life.
Like for the prisoners, we look them as criminals especially when we can see that
they have tattoo/s. But in their world, they have their own inner thoughts which they can
not express such as their emotions orally, hatreds, frustrations and depressions. They
address these in a form of tattoo, which they are practicing until now.
In our locality, people see the tattoo/s alone as heirlooms of the body, others see
them as pictures for fraternities or as a mark of something different among other people.
People lack knowledge about its symbolical meanings and representations. People may
appreciate them but they do not understand what the tattoos are for. Considering that the
tattoos are visible to the prisoners in La Trinidad Provincial Jail, this study then aims to
document the practice of tattooing among the prisoners.
Statement of the Problem
This study answered the following:
1. What is the profile of the respondents?
2. What are the designs of the tattoo?
3. What are the meanings or implication of designs of the tattoo?
4. What are the reasons for having a tattoo?
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
3
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of the study were:
1. To characterize the profile of the respondents;
2. To describe the designs of the tattoo;
3. To determine the meanings or implication of design of the tattoo; and
4. To identify the reasons for having tattoo.
Importance of the Study
The study attempts to help the people appreciate and apprehend the symbolical
meaning of tattoo and to inspire the people on the essence of tattooing. Moreover, it
seeks to promote the relevance of this art to our locality and to provide an insight of the
symbolical meaning of these figures among prisoners.
Scope and Limitation
The study only focused on the symbolic meaning of the prisoners tattoo. Twenty-
five prisoners with tattoos and two key informants were interviewed.
The study was conducted from December –January 2008 at the Benguet
Provincial Jail, La Trinidad , Benguet.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Tattoo Meanings
Tattoos are an expression of individuality. Here are the list of the most popular
tattoos and their meanings (inkedmagonline.com).
DESIGNS MEANING
Angel tattoo
Protection, guardians, keepers of dreams
Bird tattoo
Birth, intuition, freedom.
Spiritual immortality, temporary element of
Butterfly tattoo
life.
Cross tattoo
Sacrifice, love and salvation.
Devil(baby)tattoo
Mischievousness, urgent desire for sex.
Dragon tattoo
Strength, power. Rules over fire and air.
Dragonfly tattoo
Affinity with the Spiritual Life. Illusion.
Eye tattoo
Self protection. Ever watching!
Fairy tattoo
Good or evil supernatural powers.
Feather tattoo
Creativity, rebirth and spiritual elevation.
Love, provided it is neither bloody nor torn
Heart tattoo
into pieces.
Leaf tattoo
Joy, rebirth
Rose tattoo
Fertility.
Skull tattoo
Courage, death
Sun tattoo
Sacredness of life. Warmth, nurturing.
Sword tattoo
Represents justice, honour, energy
Yin yang tattoo
Harmony and totality
Reasons for Having a Tattoo
There are many reasons why people choose to have a tattoo on their body,
including: Cultural reasons – i.e. coming of age or rites of passage; To express
individuality; To indicate membership of a particular group or way of life; To make a
statement; To establish a permanent reminder of an event – such as the death of a loved
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
5
one; To reclaim the body after an event – for example, a sexual assault; To make the
body more pleasing to their eye and to annoy parents (http://www.cyh.com).
Apart from its decorative purpose, tattooing has been practiced for a variety
reasons. In some cultures, it has ritualistic significance in puberty or maturity rites. It has
been believed to have talismanic powers against disease or ill luck; and it has been
employed to mark criminals and persecuted group. To the Polynesians it is a mark of
wealth and social prestige (Norwich, 1990).
People get tattooed to mark an important point in their live that they have reached
or to mark a milestone in their life like a marriage, birth of a baby, a divorce or even the
coming of age. Some people get tattooed because all their friends are getting them
(tattoos) and they think that it would be cool to get one. This is one of the more popular
reasons people get tattoos now days. Then there are the others who get tattooed simply
because they like tattoos and they get tattooed just because they like tattoos (Hubbard,
2002).
Tattoo is for loved ones. Some get them to remember a love done who passed
away and some get their sons or daughters names or faces on them as a gesture of love.
For religious tattoo it serves as a devotion to their beliefs, and is very commendable
(Straiten, 2007).
Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of
decorations for bravery and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, protection
and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts. The impact of tattoos varies in different
places and cultures, sometimes with unintended consequences (Jackson, 2007).
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
6
For most people today, getting a tattoo is more of a lifestyle choice than an
expression of religious faith, or an appeal for fertility. As (Lockhart, 2005) explained that
“though the tattoo may be only skin deep, its significance can run as deep as the soul.”
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
La Trinidad, which is known as the salad bowl of the Philippines and the
Strawberry capital of the Philippines, is located 3 km north of Baguio City and is 256 km
north of Manila. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Tublay, on the south by
Baguio, and on the west by Sablan and Tuba. The terrain is generally mountainous with
springs, rivers and creeks. La Trinidad's valley floor elevation is at 1300 meters above
sea level. Elevation ranges from 500 to 1700 meters above sea level.
La Trinidad was chosen as the place of study because this is the place where
tattooing is visible among the prisoners.
Respondents of the study
Twenty-five respondents and two key informants were selected. A criterion used
is that respondents should have a tattoo on any part of the body.
Data Collection
The researcher personally interviewed the respondents using interview schedule
and photos of tattoos were taken.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
8
Figure 1. Map of Benguet showing the location of the study
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
9
Data Gathered
Data gathered were the physical features of the tattoo. It includes the designs, the
reasons for having tattoo and the meanings or implication of the tattoo.
Data Analysis
Data gathered were consolidated, summarized, and tabulated. It was analyzed
using descriptive statistics such as percentage.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents
Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents according to age, civil status, and
educational attainment. In terms of age, most of the respondents (44%) belonged to the
age bracket of 20-25 years old. This implies that having tattoo can be applied as young as
twenty years old. Moreover, the oldest among the respondents was 55 years old.
In the civil status of the respondents, most (76%) of the respondents were single
and 24% of the respondents were married.
For the educational attainment of the respondents, all of the respondents were
educated. Most of the respondents (76%) have reached elementary level and 16% of them
have reached high school level. Moreover, 12% of the respondents were elementary
graduate and only 8% of the respondents were high school level.
Table 1. Profile of the respondents
AGE
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
20 – 25
11
44
26 – 30
5
20
31 – 35
3
12
36 - 40
2
8
41 – 45
2
8
46 – 50
1
4
51 – 55
1 4
TOTAL
25 100
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
11
Common Designs of Tattoos and their Symbolic Meanings
In Benguet Provincial Jail, the respondents enumerated several designs but only
few of them have symbolic meaning.
Table 2 presents the common designs and symbolic meaning attached to the
prisoners’ tattoo. It includes the following: dragon, heart, flower, and letters such as the
Genuine Igorot Gang (G.I.G.)
According to Mr. Eugene who is a tattoo maker in the jail, the dragon was one of
the most preferred tattoo design of the prisoners who want to have tattoo.
Moreover, Mr. Gabriel who is also a tattoo artist said that heart is one of the
designs that the prisoners choose especially those who are brokenhearted or those
prisoners who cannot let go of their love.
The similarities of the different four dragon designs were the dominant colors,
which are red and green. Their tails have the same style and the zigzag looks are similar.
The three dragons have the same color of the skin, which is black. It was observed that
the position of the dragons implies that they are ready to fight.
On the contrary, the differences of the four, as was observed was, two dragons
were puffing a fire while the other two were not. The colors of the spikes were also
different from each other. The first dragon has color blue, the second was red, the third
was red green and the last used green color.
Furthermore, only the first dragon has a symbolic meaning. It symbolizes wife
and brotherhood. As cited by inkedmagonline.com, the dragons signify strength and
power. For the case of brotherhood, a person with a dragon tattoo is powerful because he
has “brothers” who protects him.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
12
Moreover, the heart design has different concepts. It can be observed that all of
the tattoos have female names on it. The dominant colors used were red and black.
On the other side, two of the five heart designs have swords on it. An arrow was
also inserted in one of the tattoos. It can also be observed that they differ in linings, tattoo
designs/accessories such as flame, wings and sun.
In addition, only two designs of heart have attached meaning, it symbolizes a long
lasting love and brokenhearted. As cited by inkedmagonline.com, heart tattoo means love
which provide neither bloody nor torn into pieces.
When it comes to the flower designs, both have a dominant color which is black.
It can be observed though the flowers were not the main focus of the design, they were
just added to make the designs lively and colorful.
According to Jose Bulatan, he included the flowers in his tattoo because it is a
good design.
The G.I.G (Genuine Igorot Gang) tattoos also have similarities. Aside from the
text, which is G.I.G, the dominant color used was black. A mountain and a bird were also
used in the tattoo.
The differences, however, include the placement of a word and a phrase. One
tattoo contains the phrase “Cordillera” on top of it, “Liberty or Death” and the name
“Jethro” below it.
Furthermore, they have different concepts. As said by one of the respondents, “it
depends on how you will elaborate the designs but the letters G.I.G. should be
emphasized because this will serve as your identification”. The two designs symbolizes
God is Good, liberty or death, brotherhood and identification.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
13
Table 2. Common design and their symbolic meanings
ATTACHED
COMMON DESIGNS
DESCRIPTION
MEANING
Dragon
The dominant color was Symbolizes wife,
black. It can be seen that the brotherhood, strength
skin has spiky scales and the
color is blue. The dragon in the
figure is puffing a fire. Its shape
portrays a zigzag look, a typical
form of a dragon. This image
was located on the arm of one of
the respondents.
none
Its dominant color was green
and the rest of it was color red.
Just like Figure 1.a, it has spiky
scales and its shape portrays a
zigzag look. This tattoo was also
located on the arm of the
respondent.
none
The style is same with other
previous dragons discussed. The
skin has spiky scales, which is
color black. It only differs
among the different dragons
when it comes to the color of the
spikes and tail. This one used
the colors red and green.
none
The dragon is also puffing a fire
which has a color of red. The
skin has spiky scales and the
color of this spike is green. This
one is the longest among the
four tattoos.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
14
Table 2. continued
COMMON DESIGNS
DESCRIPTION
ATTACHED
MEANING
Heart
It only use colors red and black. For
the edges of the design, a black
color was used. The heart has six
none
wings and a sun above the heart. A
name Rose was written in the heart
that was located at the middle of the
tattoo.
It uses the dominant color red. For
the edges of the design, a black color Long lasting love
was used. The heart has six wings
and a sun above the heart. A name
Rose was written in the heart, which
was located at the middle of the
tattoo.
The dominant color used was black
that surrounds the heart. A flame was
none
placed above the heart.
This heart design used different
colors that made it appealing: red,
yellow, blue, and black for the edges
Brokenhearted,
of the design. This design has a
brotherhood
sword which was inserted in the
heart and a flame was placed above
the heart. A phrase “Bakit Pa” was
located above the design. There
were names written surrounding the
design. Male names (Marvin and
Sammy) were written in both sides
of the flame. Female names (Grace
and Clare) were also written below
the design. A name (Zeny) was
written on a ribbon which was placed
on the center of the heart.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
15
Table 2. continued
ATTACHED
COMMON DESIGN
DESCRIPTION
MEANING
The heart was struck with an arrow on
none
the right side and a sword was inserted
on the left side of the heart. A lining
design was used inside the heart
(diagonal, vertical, and horizontal).
Letter G was located on both sides of
the heart and a name “Ofelia” was
written below the design. There were
other designs that surround the heart
such as asteris.
Flower
It used different designs like circular, a
none
cloudy look-alike, diagonal and spiral
shapes, which made the appearance
beautiful. Although the flower was not
the main focus, it still portrayed art.
There were different colors used such
as green, red and white. The dominant
color was black
Flowers were added to make the tattoo
none
lively or add variation to the plainness,
according to the respondent. He further
said that the design will appear dull
without the flowers. It can be noted
that the face of the character is sad.
The flower somehow brightened it up.
G.I.G. letters
It was a simple design. It used color
God is Good,
blue- green to make the design identification,
colorful. This was placed on the fore
Brotherhood.
finger of the respondent. This letter
means Genuine Igorot Gang
COMMON DESIGN
ATTACHED
DESCRIPTION
MEANING
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
16
It was also a different style of
design. G.I.G. letters were placed
and a pyramid was situated on the
none
letter itself. There were birds on
both sides of the pyramid.
Compared to the previous two
G.I.G tattoos, this one has more Liberty or death,
variations. This design was tattooed
brotherhood
at the back of the prisoner. The
color used was a pure black. A
G.I.G. letter design was placed in a
bold style. Like figure 4.b, a
mountain was situated in the letter
itself. A bird was placed on both
sides of the mountain. Moreover,
“Cordillera” was written above the
design and a name Jethro was
written below the G.I.G. Below this
name, “Liberty or Death” was
written.
Table 2. Continued
Other Tattoo Designs
Table 3 presents the other designs that the prisoners had. It includes here the
scorpion, butterfly, sun, and sword. Moreover, yin-yang design, faces of Jesus Christ,
Logo of San Miguel and fairy were also used. Some of them have symbolic meaning. As
cited by www.vanishing.com, sun tattoo is very popular with both men and women.
The God’s eye symbolizes loneliness, the logo of San Miguel symbolizes God’s
commandment that is “thou shall not kill”. Furthermore, the fairy symbolizes shame.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
17
As Piersol (2008) cited, “the tattoo design that is chosen is entirely, well at least
most of the time, up to the person who wants to mark their body. It is their way of letting
the world knows what they stand for, love or hate.”
Table 3. Other designs used
ATTACHED
DESIGN DESCRIPTION
MEANING
This scorpion design used the
none
colors red and black. A yin
yang design was included on
top of the scorpion.
The design could not be seen
none
immediately as scorpion but
when you take a closer at it, it
portrays a scorpion. It used
only black color.
The face of Jesus Christ was
Loneliness
also used for designing the
tattoo. The face of Jesus Christ
appeared to be sad, pitiful, with
a sun that surrounds him and
thorns on his head.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
19
Table 3. continued
DESIGN
DESCRIPTION
ATTACHED
MEANING
Just like the cross that we
usually see inside church, Jesus
None
Christ is being crucified.
“INRI” was written at the top of
the cross.
Tattoo portrays sadness and
shame according to the
Shame
respondent. It was tattooed at
the feet of the prisoner. It is
colorful for it uses good
combination to make the design
appealing. The fairy was
surrounded with flowers and
hearts.
The sun surrounded the navel of None
the prisoner. The dominant
color was red and the edges of
the sun was black.
None
It used three colors which were
black, red, and green. It was
observed that the color of the
circle on the red part was green
and for the green part was red.
This tattoo was placed on the
nape of the prisoner.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
20
Table 3. Continued
DESIGN
DESCRIPTION
ATTACHED
MEANING
The skull design was also used.
It was tattooed at the back of the
None
prisoner. Two small skulls were
placed beside the big skull. It
used only one color which is
black.
The design is a devil, though the
face looks like a pig. It has a
none
crown on the head. Its clothes
are color green. The devil has a
tail and he is holding a spear.
Above the design was a phrase,
“conquer me first”.
Feelings of the Prisoners After Being Tattooed
Table 3 presents the feelings of the respondents after being tattooed. More than
half of the prisoners (64%) felt painful. This can be attributed to the fact that tattooing
involves such materials like needles that are used for tattooing. One respondent had fever
for two days.
However, 24% did not feel any pain, they claimed that it is good. Moreover, 8%
felt anumb feeling and 4% felt a stinging feeling
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
21
Table 4. Feelings of the prisoners after being tattooed
FEELINGS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Painful
16
64
Not
painful
6
24
Stinging feeling
2
8
Numb
1
4
TOTAL 25
100
Regrets of Respondents After Being Tattooed
Table 4 presents the regrets of prisoners after having a tattoo. A great majority
(76%) regretted because they realized that having tattoo was bad, they said they could not
have done it in the first place. As one of them puts it, “kauuma nga kitkitaen.”
Moreover, some of them considers it as dirt in the body after all. They explained
this by saying that when they will be released from the jail, their tattoos can be a factor of
not qualifying for a work.
On the contrary, 24 % did not regret having tattoo/tattoos. They said that it feels
nice because it is pleasing to the eye, especially to their “kakosa” and “superiors” in the
gang they belong with. These made them feel they belong to the group they want to stay
with.
As said by one of the respondents, this is one way of expressing their emotions
and this is the only thing they can own for the rest of their lives. One of them said that,
“we have tattoo to show that we are useless because we do not own nothing.”
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
22
As Bronnikov (1993) cited, “a prisoner has nothing of his own, not even decent
clothes…because the only thing that belongs to the prisoners, is his body, it can be
violated bartered or turned into a picture gallery.”
Table 5. Regrets of respondents after being tattooed
REGRETS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
Has regrets
19
76
Did not regret
6
24
TOTAL
25
100
Reasons for Choosing the Design
The main reason of the prisoners for choosing such designs was for art’s sake. As
said by one of the respondents he chose such design because it is a good art to him
“mangipaayayo nga buybuyaen, as he puts it.
Belongingness is also one of the common reasons, especially those who have the
G.I.G tattoo. The tattoo alone means that he belongs to a group.
Others said that having a tattoo is an act of going with the flow inside the jail. As
Charlie Pulonio said, he chose the design because it is a trend inside the jail, so that he
will be “in” in the group.
For fun’s sake is also one of the reasons as said by the respondents in having
tattoo/s. Moreover, it is a tattoo artist choice. One prisoner said that he was not the one
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
23
who chose this design but it is the choice of the one who made his tattoo. He just liked it
eventually so he said that it is a good design.
According to Raymond Binwag, one of the prisoners, he chose the design (heart
which was inserted by a sword titled “Bakit Pa” with different names located at the side
of the design) because he was broken-hearted during that time.
“My girlfriend got married when I was detained and it really hurts because until
now, I still love her despite the pain she brings to me,” he said.
Another prisoner, Eric De Leon, said that he choose the design (face of Jesus
Christ with a thorn which surrounds his head) because it represents his face, lonely and
sad.
But for Eric Padua, he chose the scorpion design because it is his zodiac sign.
As Piersol (2008) cited, tattoos have been and will continue to be a means of
expression. Prison tattoos have a symbolism and culture that is unique. These tattoos can
identify what the prisoner is in for, what they are willing to do, if they can be trusted or
not and many other things.
Table 6. Reason for choosing the design
CATEGORY IMAGE
According to emotions
Love
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
24
Table 6. continued
CATEGORY IMAGE
Brokenheart
Loneliness/ sadness
According to belongingness
Identification, brotherhood
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
25
Table 6. Continued
CATEGORY IMAGE
Gang requirement
Trend inside the jail
According to principle
“Thou shall not kill”
According to choice
Own choice/zodiac sign
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
26
Table 6. Continued
CATEGORY
IMAGE
Tattoo artist’s choice
* Multiple responses
Location of the Tattoos
Table 7 presents the location of the tattoo on the body parts of the prisoners. The
different designs were located on the different parts of the body of the prisoner. Forty-
eight percent of the respondents’ tattoo were situated on their arms, 28% on their backs,
12% on their chests. Furthermore, on the neck, feet and navel has the same response with
4%.
Two respondents claimed that they situated the heart tattoo on their chest because
they were brokenhearted and cannot let go of their love. The rest of the respondents
claimed that they do not have any reason why they located their tattoo on the arm, feet,
back and neck. As one respondent said, “trip ko lang.”
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
27
Table 7. Location of the tattoos
LOCATION NUMBER
OF
RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
Arm 12
48
Back 7
28
Chest 3
12
Neck 1
4
Feet 1
4
Navel 1
4
Reasons for Having a Tattoo
Among the 25 respondents (Table 8), 32 % said that having tattoo is an art to the
body. As they put it, these tattoo/s serves as an outlet of their artistic inclinations.
Twenty percent also claimed that they had a tattoo to ease boredom inside the jail.
This can be attributed to the prisoner’s lifestyle inside the jail where they have a lot of
free time.
Moreover, 16% said that it was just for fun. According to one respondent he said,
“trip ko lang”. Others said that they had it because they are not doing a lot of things
inside the prison. As one them puts it, “kayat ko lang ta awan maararamid ditoy.”
Meanwhile, 12% of the respondents said that having tattoo is for companionship
inside the jail and it is a requirement in a gang. This is in particular to those who are
members of the G.I.G gang.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
28
Moreover, 4% said that it is for love matters such as when they were broken-hearted
and when they deeply love somebody else.
The tattoo/s is also one way of expressing their emotions and this is the only thing
they can own for the rest of their lives. As one of them said, “we have tattoo to show that
we are useless because we do not own nothing.”
As Bronnikov (1993) cited, “a prisoner has nothing of his own, not even decent
clothes…because the only thing that belongs to the prisoners, is his body it can be
violated bartered or turned into a picture gallery.”
Table 8. Reasons for having a tattoo
REASONS NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
Skin art 8 32
Ease boredom 6 24
Belongingness 5
20
Just for fun 4 16
Love 1 4
Brokenhearted 1 4
*Multiple responses
Years of Having Tattoo
From the results, the oldest tattoo was done in the year 1985 and 1989. The rest
were done from the year 2000 onwards.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the symbolic meaning of figures of the
tattoo. Specifically, the study aimed to characterize the profile of the respondents, to
describe the designs of the tattoo, to determine the meanings or implication of design of
the tattoo and to identify the reasons of having a tattoo. Photos of the tattoo were also
taken.
The researcher personally interviewed the respondents who were the prisoners at
the Benguet Provincial jail.
Results showed that the prisoners’ tattoo have different designs. The respondents
enumerated several designs but the common designs used were the dragon, heart, G.I.G
(Genuine Igorot Gang) letters, and flower. Furthermore, majority regretted having tattoo
because they realized that having tattoo was bad. Some of them consider it as dirt in the
body after all. They explained this by saying that when they will be released from the jail,
their tattoos can be a factor of not qualifying for a work.
The reasons for choosing such designs were: it is a good design or a good art, it is
a trend inside the jail or it is just their choice. Other reasons included were: it is the
representation of their love to their sweethearts and a representation of their face such as
loneliness. Moreover, it is a member requirement in a gang such as the G.I.G. (Genuine
Igorot Gang).
Majority of the respondents do not have stories related to their tattoo, it is just for
art’s sake. Other respondents claimed that it is about love and about brotherhood. One
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
30
respondent represent his love to his sweetheart through his tattoo. Others said that it is for
and companionship, it is their choice.
From the findings, only few designs were given symbolic meanings. The dragon
symbolizes brotherhood, identification, fraternity and lastly, symbolizes a wife.
For the heart designs, it symbolizes brokenhearted and love.
The Genuine Igorot Gang (G.I.G) symbolizes that God is Good and the other
meaning were for liberty or death. In addition, it is for brotherhood and for identification
as well.
The eye design, which is God’s eye, symbolizes loneliness and emptiness. The
logo of San Miguel Gin symbolizes the God’s commandment which is, “thou shall not
kill”
Moreover, the fairy symbolizes shame.
The respondents have different reasons for having a tattoo. Majority said that it is
for skin art. Most of them said that they had it to ease their boredom. Moreover,
respondents said that it is just for fun. Others said that having tattoo will mean you have a
companion. It is for group identification and it is a requirement as a gang member to have
tattoo. The rest said that his tattoo symbolizes his lasting love and one prisoner said that it
was to show that they are useless because they do not own nothing. Furthermore, one
prisoner said that he was brokenhearted.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
31
Conclusions
From the findings, the following conclusions were derived:
1. Tattoo comes in different designs. The prisoner or individual who wish to
have a tattoo will be the one to choose the desired design except for gang
requirement.
2. Tattoo designs represent brotherhood, love, brokenheart and shame.
3. Through the tattoo, the prisoners express their past happenings and memories,
this is also one way of expressing their feelings.
4. A primary reason for having a tattoo was for skin art and to ease boredom
inside the jail.
5. Tattoo can be applied as young as twenty years of age.
Recommendation
Based on the findings, it is recommend that an individual who has a tattoo should
not be perceived as an ex-convict or a criminal because it is a skin art for others; and
because it has symbolic meanings that represent one’s feelings and emotions.
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
LITERATURE CITED
AGONCILLO, Teodoro. 1975. The Courtsip and Marriage Practices among Philippine
Tribe. OMAR Publications Quezon City, Philippines. p.129
ANONYMOUS.1999.Tattoo Designs and Symbols. Retrieved on December 1, 2007
from http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols.html
ANONYMOUS.2008.Tattoos.Retrieved on February 1,2008 from
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=297&id
=2066
CLARKE, Jim. 2005. Tattoos - more than skin deep...Retrieved on January 3, 2008 from
http://medmediacampaign.com/?id=1612&level=4&var=print
HUBBARD, C.D.2002. What is the reason behind tattoo art evolving into a fashion
statement of present times? Retrieved on December 2, 2008 from
http://www.helium.com/items/780691-there-people-everywhere-tattoos
JACKSON, Brian.2007. Five Reasons Why People Get Tattooes..Retrieved on
December3,2007http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/231335/5reasons_why
people_get_tattoos.html
KROMARIK, Katherine L.2003.Process of Tattooing. Retrieved on December 13,2007
from http://www.msu.edu/~krcmari1/individual/get_process.
NORWICH, John Julius. 1990. The Arts. Oxford University Press. p.447.
PIERSOL, Jack. 2008. History of A Few Tattoo Designs retrieved on January 5, 2008
from http:// ezinearticles.com/?History-of-A-Few_Tattoo-Designs &id = 978511
RUSH, John A.2006. Tattoo Meanings Researching and Interpreting Symbols Used In
Tattoos.. Retrieved on December 2, 2007 from http://www.tattoo-meanings.com/
STRAETEN, Katrien Vender.2007. Tattoos: Reasons, Responsibilities.. Retrieved on
December 2, 2007 from
http://customsholidays.suite101.com/article.cfm/tattoos_reasons_responsibilities
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Communication Letter
Benguet State University
College of Agriculture
DEPARTMENT OF EXTENSION EDUCATION &
DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
La Trinidad, Benguet
January18, 2008
JAMES C. SIMON
Provincial Warden
Benguet Provincial Jail
La Trinidad, Benguet
Sir:
Warm
greetings!
I am a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Development Communication student
of Benguet State University and presently conducting the thesis titled “Symbolic
Meaning of Figures of Prisoners’ Tattoo in Benguet Provincial Jail.”
In this connection I would like to request your good office to allow me to
interview prisoners who have tattoo. Your favorable decision will help me so much in
completing my research undertaking.
Rest assured that all information will be for academic purposes only.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
Truly
yours,
JENILYN CAOILE
Researcher
CHRISTINE GRACE SIDCHOGAN
Adviser
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
Appendix B. Interview Schedule
A. PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS
Name:
Age:
B. DESIGNS
1. What is the design of your tattoo?
2. What do you feel after being tattooed?
3. Why did you choose the design?
C. MEANINGS
• Does your tattoo have a story?
• What is the meaning of your tattoo?
D. REASONS
• When did you have a tattoo?
• What is your reason for having a tattoo?
Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners’ Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail / Jenilyn L. Caoili. 2008
Document Outline
- Symbolic Meaning of Prisoners� Tattoos in
Benguet Provincial Jail
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- Rationale
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Importance of the Study
- Scope and Limitation
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- Tattoo Meanings
- Reasons for Having a Tattoo
- METHODOLOGY
- Locale and Time of the Study
- Respondents of the study
- Data Collection
- Data Gathered
- Data Analysis
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Profile of the Respondents
- Common Designs of Tattoos and their Symbolic Meanings
- Feelings of the Prisoners After Being Tattooed
- Regrets of Respondents After Being Tattooed
- Reasons for Choosing the Design
- Location of the Tattoos
- Reasons for Having a Tattoo
- Years of Having Tattoo
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
- Summary
- Conclusions
- Recommendation
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES