Needle check, Sak Yant tattoo festival, Thailand

A monk tattoo master preparing the needle. From the Sak Yant tattoo festival in a temple and monastery in Nakhon Pathom. Sak Yant is the traditional Thai form of tattooing, involving sacred geometrical designs, spells and animals. Designs are often intricate with each element providing specific meaning for the wearer, that convey special magical powers like protection, luck or the power of the animal.