yant

A little farther is the "yant" of the Pai Ute, with leaves fringed with teeth like its kind, the Agaves.

The Romance of the Colorado River

Both writers take readers beyond the tattoo parlors of the tourist trail to the temples and upcountry locations where sak yant traditions thrive and are passed along from recognized masters to new disciples.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

Mixing religious beliefs and folklore from India, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand, sak yant evolved over centuries and appeal to a broad range of people.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

Even non-aficionados flocked to see Angelina Jolie baring her skin on video to get a sak yant tattoo in 2004.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

In the near term, one hopes that the two books will help dissuade Thai authorities from banning sak yant for foreigners.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

In gripping testimonials, he shows that sak yant are credited with gaining positions, winning lovers and even healing lethal diseases.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

The author of books about Buddhist temples in Thailand and around Asia, his scholarly approach to sak yant is offset nicely by the clever, colorful photographs by Dan White.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

Intricate but primitive-looking, with distinctive blue-black, hand-scrawled letters, often accompanied by cartoonish animals or demons, sak yant supposedly protect wearers from harm and give them mystical powers.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

Mr. Cummings shows how sak yant permeates all strata of society—actors, musicians and even Thai police detectives.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos

Another longtime Thailand correspondent, Mr. White delivers a broad showcase of sak yant art, everything from scripted scalps to full monastic rituals.

Baring Southeast Asia's Sacred Tattoos