Tattoo Pattern

P247

From: Borneo | Dutch West Borneo | Mendalam River

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

View All (7) Object Images

Object Number P247
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Kayan
Provenience Borneo | Dutch West Borneo | Mendalam River
Date Made 19th century CE
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. Kilingai ekoe. Side pattern for a Kayan woman's thigh tattoo. A three-line version of the design, for the use of slaves.

Length 20.5 cm
Width 5 cm
Credit Line Gift of Alfred C. Harrison Jr. and Dr. H. M. Hiller, 1899

Report problems and issues to digitalmedia@pennmuseum.org.