Tattoo Pattern

P213

From: Borneo | Sarawak

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Object Number P213
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Kayan
Provenience Borneo | Sarawak
Date Made ca. 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. Pattern identified by Furness as the "kala asu," scorpion dog, used by the Kenyas of the Baram, and by Hose and Shelford as a "Kayan dog design." A single design, for a man's forearm or thigh.

Length 12.6 cm
Width 7 cm
Thickness 1.1 cm
Credit Line Gift of Dr. William H. Furness 3rd., 1898

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