Tattoo Pattern

P204

From: Borneo | Sarawak

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Object Number P204
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. Possibly a version of the Kayan bead (lukut) design, tattooed on the outside of a man's wrist to stand in for the antique bead worn on a string around the wrist to ward off disease (and to serve the same function).

Length 10.2 cm
Width 5.1 cm
Thickness 1.3 cm
Credit Line Gift of Dr. William H. Furness 3rd., 1898

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