About Fakir Musafar Foundation · San Francisco
The Fakir Musafar Foundation, based in San Francisco, is a body modification education organization founded in 1991 by Fakir Musafar, known as the 'Father of the Modern Primitive Movement.' It offers hands-on piercing workshops for beginners, professionals, and alumni, blending spiritual and shamanic practices with technical training. The foundation also hosts annual events like the Spirit + Flesh gathering, which includes ritualistic body modification and energy work. Led by experienced instructors who were trained by Fakir, the foundation emphasizes safety, community, and artistic expression through body modification.
Founded in 1991 by Fakir Musafar, the Fakir Musafar Foundation teaches body piercing and modification through immersive, hands-on workshops. It offers three levels: Basic (for those with less than two years of experience), Comprehensive (for professionals with two+ years), and Advanced (for alumni). The foundation’s curriculum includes 24 to 30+ techniques, live demonstrations, and all materials provided. It also hosts the annual Spirit + Flesh event, featuring shamanic piercing, psychic cleansing, and ritual performances. Fakir Musafar, a pioneer in body modification and spiritual expression, coined the term 'Modern Primitives' in 1979 and influenced media, art, and global body modification communities. The foundation’s instructors are former students and apprentices of Fakir, including Ken Coyote, Dustin Allor, Jef Saunders, and Becky Dill. The organization’s mission is to support and transform talent through education, community, and spiritual exploration of the body.
- In business
- since 1991
- Owner
- Fakir Musafar
- Serves
- San Francisco, United States
About Fakir
Fakir Musafar was a trailblazer in body modification and ritualistic practices, coining the term 'Modern Primitives' in 1979. His philosophy of using the body to explore spirituality shaped the way people viewed body art, piercing, branding, and other modifications as tools for personal expression and spiritual growth. His influence extended to films like Dances Sacred & Profane and Body of God, as well as the groundbreaking publication Modern Primitives (1986), earning him the title of the 'Father of the Modern Primitive Movement.'
Our Workshops
We offer three levels of body piercing workshops: Basic (for those with less than two years of full-time professional experience), Comprehensive (for professionals with two+ years), and Advanced (for alumni). All workshops include hands-on practice, live demos, and all materials provided.
- Basic Body Piercing Workshop
- Comprehensive Body Piercing Workshop
- Advanced Body Piercing Workshop
Annual Event
Experience shamanic piercing, psychic cleansing, and energy rituals with live taiko drumming and dance at our annual Spirit + Flesh event. This gathering blends spiritual exploration with body modification art.
Meet Our Team
Our instructors are former students and apprentices of Fakir Musafar. They bring decades of experience, global exposure, and deep knowledge of both technical and spiritual aspects of body modification.
- Ken Coyote — Director, Lead Instructor
- Dustin Allor — Instructor
- Jef Saunders — Instructor
- Becky Dill — Instructor