Philippine Indigenous Ancestral Art

In pre-colonial Philippines, tribal symbols were proudly worn as tattoos to represent one’s family, roles in the community, coming-of-age accomplishments, conquests and triumphs, and more.

As a Filipina-American and Philippine tribal arts practitioner, it was only when I learned about my ancestors’ tribal artwork that I began to truly understand my own cultural identity. I have been researching and experimenting with indigenous Filipino art themes for over 10 years, and I contribute to the work that my ancestors started by teaching workshops and hosting tribal tattoo pop-ups.

Follow me on Instagram to see where I’m poppin up next!

For inquiries about hosting a workshop or tattoo pop-up at your event, please fill out my contact form. I’m also available for panels and discussions about tribal art, private commissions, and private sessions/events.

Tribal Arts Workshops

These workshops are an opportunity to learn the history and basics of Philippine indigenous tribal symbols and written script (called Baybayin). Participants create a work of art that symbolizes their own unique journeys, as well as engage in dialogue about the importance of preserving indigenous practices and its connection to contemporary cultural identity.

Previous Events

2025, OSA Women on Top Empowerment Conference, Manassas, VA
2024, DC Zinefest, Washingon, DC
2024, Asian American LEAD, Parkland Middle School, MD
2024, Asian American LEAD, Jackson Reed High School, DC
2024, Artomatic, Washington, DC
2023, National Association of Asian American Professionals-DC Chapter, Washington, DC

Katrina’s Art for Connection Indigenous Filipino Art workshop opened my eyes to my creativity as well as my cultural connection to my ancestors.

As someone who has never felt capable of being artistic, I was nervous to put the pencil to the paper. Then Katrina presented a quote about those who were scared to call themselves artists because they thought creativity was beyond their capabilities. But actually, creativity is not exclusive to art making and we all engage in this on a daily basis as a human.

Next thing I knew, I was exploring all the indigenous Filipino symbols to tell my ancestors’ stories through my piece. It was even more moving and inspiring to see the community coming together, opening up and sharing their ancestor’s stories through their own colorful, creative lenses.

— Virginia, NAAAP Workshop Attendee

This workshop made me think about my own [Indian] ancestors in a way I never did before. I was always unsure of my relationship with them–they were the oppressors–but I was never really able to articulate my discomfort in that. Seeing the Philippine symbols and their meanings allowed me to express how I felt about my own ancestors and have the language to create a different world than them.

— Participant, DC Zinefest Attendee

Katrina led such a meaningful workshop for our AALEADers. It meant a lot to our youth and the team that she made time to share her story and teach her community about ancestral art. We are grateful to partner with her and hope to continue creating opportunities for our youth to learn from her in the coming school year.

— Elizabeth, AALEAD Program Manager

Tribal Tattoo Pop-ups

Once I learned the profundity of Filipino indigenous symbols, I wanted to create the experience of having them on our bodies the same way our ancestors did. Similar to traditional tribal tattooists’ process, I describe the various symbols and meanings to each guest to help them decide what represents their life and journey. Then, I apply the symbols using henna–a non-permanent and non-toxic natural dye with cooling and medicinal properties.

Previous Events

2025, Rue Music & Art Festival, Walsh Family Winery, Purcellville, VA
2024, Liwanag Filipino Lit Fest DC, Loyalty Bookstores, Washington, DC
2024, First Friday Leesburg, CRAFT Studio, Leesburg, VA
2019, Charm City Night Market, Baltimore, MD
2019, Taste the Philippines: DC Filipino Food Festival, Washington, DC
2019, Katipunan Philippine Festival, Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD
2018, Christmas in the Philippines Event, Embassy of the Philippines, Washington, DC
2018, King of the Yees Pop-Up Night Market, Baltimore Center Stage, Baltimore, MD
2018, Charm City Night Market, Baltimore, MD

Katrina's Ancestral Tattoos display and pop-up henna tattoos were such an exciting and engaging way to adapt cultural education to modern sensibilities. Being able to learn the meanings of various symbols and motifs that attendees saw in the examples of traditional tattoos that she brought was interesting, and crafting ones' own meaningful tattoo pattern from those symbols was an awesome way to apply that new knowledge in a very tactile way. Katrina's concept is a very innovative way to bring traditional cultural awareness out of the classroom and into the streets so that it is accessible, informative, engaging, and exciting to be a part of. Her pop-up (and accompanying zines which add context, such as "My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams") are a beautiful homage to her heritage while also inviting others not just to learn, but to truly appreciate - and invite them to get involved in a culturally appropriate way.

— Vanessa, Owner of CRAFT Studio and Organizer for Rue Music & Art Festival

Work with me!

For inquiries about hosting an art workshop, zine workshop, or henna tattoo pop-up at your event, please fill out my contact form. I’m also available for private commission, panels and discussions about tribal art, and private sessions/events.