A skilled tattoo artist in Cambodia’s so-called "Waiting Village" reflects on the fading tradition of sacred ink, once a cultural cornerstone, now threatened by decades of conflict and shifting priorities. The practice, deeply tied to local identity and ritual, has dwindled as war and modernization erode its place in daily life, leaving artisans like him struggling to preserve a heritage few still value. With younger generations turning away from the art, the artist laments the loss of a craft that once defined their community. The story explores how violence and change have reshaped cultural practices in ways that may be irreversible.
In Cambodia's 'Waiting Village', tattooist mourns trade lost to war Reuters
