Yar Suk "Magic Tattoo Medicine"

The character depicted here is a devotee. Committing oneself fully to a philosophy is viewed as the only way to enlightenment. The act of self sacrifice has been revered in South East Asian societies for centuries and many of the ascetics have attained mythical and magical status.

19th-20th Century

"Yar Suk" figures are made of potent herbs and medicines and then blessed bestowing powerful magic upon the Amulet. The Tattooer would carve a small amount of "medicine" from the bottom of the "Yar Suk" and mix it with the tattoo ink which would pass on the power of the Amulet to the person receiving the tattoo.