Traditional Mentawai Hand Tapping · Padang, West Sumatra
A storycarved intoyour skin.
Ancient symbols. Personal stories.
Marked by tradition, guided by respect.
The Artist
Sikerei Lineage · Mentawai
The hand behind the marks.
“Every tap is a conversation between the ancestors and the skin. I am just the hand.”
Aikau Sipati'ti is a traditional Mentawai tattoo artist who has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the sacred art of his ancestors. Born into a lineage of Sikerei (shamans), he learned the ancient patterns and their meanings from elders in the Siberut jungle.
After years of studying both traditional techniques and modern safety practices, Aikau Sipati'ti founded Siolaakenen Muti'ti to create a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary seekers. His work has been featured in cultural exhibitions across Indonesia and beyond.
Our Philosophy
“Every mark is a prayer. Every line, a memory passed from ancestors into skin.”
In the Mentawai tradition, tattoos are not decoration—they are identity. Each symbol carries the weight of generations, marking rites of passage, spiritual protection, and connection to the natural world.
At Siolaakenen Muti'ti, we honor this sacred practice through the ancient art of hand-tapping, creating marks that speak to your personal journey while respecting the traditions from which they come.
Centuries
Of living titi tradition in the Mentawai Islands
100%
Hand Tapped — no machine, no shortcut
Siberut
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve & home of traditional titi
Project
The Sacred Works
Titi Mentawai
Titi Simagre
Simagre (Soul), Identity, Spiritual Protection
Titi Mentawai
Arat Sabulungan
Ancestral Law, Spiritual Balance, Way of Life
Titi Mentawai
Puliaijat
Ceremony, Community, Rite of Passage
Titi Mentawai
Uma
Clan, Communal Identity, Belonging
Titi Mentawai
Sikerei
Healing, Spiritual Knowledge, Sacred Responsibility
Titi Mentawai
Rereiket
Land, Living Tradition, Roots
Project
The Sacred Works
Titi Mentawai
Titi Simagre
Simagre (Soul), Identity, Spiritual Protection
Titi Mentawai
Arat Sabulungan
Ancestral Law, Spiritual Balance, Way of Life
Titi Mentawai
Puliaijat
Ceremony, Community, Rite of Passage
Titi Mentawai
Uma
Clan, Communal Identity, Belonging
Titi Mentawai
Sikerei
Healing, Spiritual Knowledge, Sacred Responsibility
Titi Mentawai
Rereiket
Land, Living Tradition, Roots
Gallery
Visual Diary
Unveiling the marks…
The Process
Rooted in tradition.
Our process honors the sacred rituals of Mentawai tattooing while adapting to modern safety standards. Each session is a journey.
Consultation
We begin with a deep conversation about your story, your lineage, and the meaning you want to carry.
Design & Ritual
Symbols are drawn by hand using ancestral patterns. A small opening ritual honors the ancestors and guides the session.
Hand Tapping
Using traditional tools and organic ink, the artist taps each mark with precision and calm. The rhythm is meditative. The result is permanent.
Aftercare & Meaning
You leave with a healing guide and the full meaning of your motif documented—so you carry the story forward.
What they carry home
Every mark tells a story. Here are a few from those who made the journey.
Pengalaman yang benar-benar berbeda. Setiap torehan terasa seperti percakapan dengan para leluhur. Ini bukan sekadar tato — ini identitas.
I flew from Berlin specifically for this. The ritual, the patience, the story behind every motif — it changed how I see my own body and its story.
Bukan sekadar tato. Ini adalah pengakuan identitas yang terukir selamanya di kulit. Aikau adalah seniman sekaligus penjaga tradisi.
An unforgettable experience. The marks are beautiful, but what stays with you is the ceremony — the intention, the presence, the silence.
Aftercare
Your skin deserves the best care.
Proper aftercare ensures your traditional tattoo heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime. Follow these guidelines carefully.
Keep the tattoo covered with the provided natural bandage. Avoid water contact and do not touch the area. Rest and stay hydrated.
Gently wash with lukewarm water and natural soap twice daily. Pat dry with a clean cloth. Apply the provided coconut oil blend sparingly. Do not scratch or pick at any scabbing.
No swimming, saunas, or prolonged sun exposure for 3 weeks. Avoid tight clothing over the tattoo. No alcohol-based products on the area.
Traditional Mentawai aftercare uses pure coconut oil. Apply a thin layer 2-3 times daily after the first 48 hours. This keeps the skin moisturized and supports natural healing.
Hand-tapped tattoos may need minor touch-ups after full healing (6-8 weeks). Keep the tattoo moisturized and protected from prolonged sun exposure for lasting vibrancy.