Tattoo Pattern

P202

From: Borneo | Sarawak

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Object Number P202
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Kayan
Provenience Borneo | Sarawak
Date Made Before 1897
Section Oceanian
Materials Wood
Description

Flat piece of wood carved to leave a pattern in high relief. The block is inked and pressed onto the skin as a guide for the tattooing. A man's design, for the arm or thigh. Identified by Hose and Shelford as " a Barawan and Kenyah modification of the dog design, known as 'hook' (kowit) pattern." Also similar to a Berawan tattoo block illustrated by Ernest B. Haddon that he presents as an example of the "dog-motif." A single pattern, for a man's forearm or thigh.

Length 10.4 cm
Width 6.3 cm
Thickness 0.9 cm
Credit Line Gift of Dr. William H. Furness 3rd., 1898

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