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Tattoo Pattern

Object Number:P229
Current Location: Collections Storage
Culture:Kayan
Provenience: Borneo
Sarawak
Date Made: Before 1897
Section:Oceanian
Materials:Wood
Length: 5 cm
Width: 24.3 cm
Credit Line:Gift of Dr. William H. Furness 3rd., 1898

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."

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