Meet Apo: The 106-Year-Old Tattoo Master Defying Time on Vogue Covers

Thousands line up for tattoos from the 106-year-old tattoo master, the last living Kalinga warrior tattooist in the Philippines. Recently featured on the cover of Vogue, she’s hailed as a living legend.

 

 

Life continually surprises us, despite our belief that we’ve seen it all. In a remarkable fashion milestone, she became the oldest model in history to grace the cover of Vogue, marking a profound turning poin

She’s a 106-year-old tattoo master from the Kalinga region, recently featured not only in Vogue but also in the April issue of the Philippine edition. Captured beautifully by talented photographer Artu Nepomuceno, she adorned traditional beads, with her tattoos standing out as her most striking feature.

Apo is renowned for her creation of unique designs and ornaments, carrying on a millennia-old tradition. Her distinctive technique involves hammering a mixture of water and charcoal into the skin using a thorn, a skill she learned at the age of 16 under her father’s guidance.

The editor-in-chief of Philippine Vogue portrays her as a wise and spirited woman. Even at her age, she remains dedicated to preserving her art, aiming to inspire others with its profound meaning.

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