Tattoo Pattern

P229

From: Borneo | Sarawak

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

View All (5) Object Images

Object Number P229
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. Written on wood, presumably by collector: "Ulun orang" = head of a prawn. Resembles a pattern identified by Hose and Shelford as "A Sea-Dayak modification of the dog design."

Length 5 cm
Width 24.3 cm
Credit Line Gift of Dr. William H. Furness 3rd., 1898

Report problems and issues to digitalmedia@pennmuseum.org.