Tattoo master at work, Sak Yant festival, Thailand

A monk's tattooed hand holding a needle drawing a fresh tattoo on a recipient's back. 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.