I was born in ‘88 and raised in Sipora, Mentawai, with the blood of my ancestors flowing from Sagulubbe, in Southwest Siberut. Since childhood, Ti’ti (Mentawai tattoos) have been a part of my life, etched into the bodies of my grandparents as a mark of identity. They would often tell me, “Because we are Mentawai, we wear these tattoos.” Their words became a guiding force, shaping my path as a tattoo artist.

Throughout history, this tradition has faced relentless repression. From the colonial era to post independence Indonesia, Ti’ti was banned alongside Arat Sabulungan, our ancestral belief system. Many of our customs, such as tooth sharpening and the healing practices of the sikerei, were suppressed. Yet, despite the prohibitions, the tattoos endured. For the Mentawai people, Ti’ti is not mere decoration, it is a sacred connection to our ancestors and an expression of who we are.

Between 2014 and 2016, I embarked on a journey to immerse myself in this ancient art. Alongside friends who shared my passion, I ventured deep into the jungle, traveling for weeks to meet the last remaining tattoo masters of South and Central Siberut. From them, I learned the philosophy behind each motif, the traditional techniques, and the spiritual essence carried within every stroke of ink.

In 2019, my path led me to Bali, where I found an opportunity to share Mentawai culture through art. Since then, this island has been my home, a place where people from around the world have sought me out to receive these tattoos, carrying the legacy of my ancestors on their skin. With each tattoo, this tradition continues to travel, finding new pathways and keeping our heritage alive.

Mentawai Ti’ti carries a deep spiritual meaning, serving as a bridge to our ancestors and a story that must be told. Every time I return to my roots, I bring back not only the wisdom of this ancestral practice but also ornaments, decorations, and stories that embody the spirit of our culture. For those who feel drawn to this living tradition, the doors are open to share, learn, and connect with a heritage that beats on in the skin and soul of those who carry it.