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1923.86.205

Small tattoo pattern block, carved from wood with an interlocking scrolling design. Stained with black pigment.

On display

1923.86.205

Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford

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Collection type
Object
Description
Small tattoo pattern block, carved from wood with an interlocking scrolling design. Stained with black pigment.
Long description
Small tattoo pattern block, carved from wood with an interlocking scrolling design. Within the design are two sun shapes. The object is stained with black pigment. [SM 06/10/2010]
Geographical reference
Malaysia
Asia > South-eastern Asia > Malaysia
Cultural groups
Iban
Kayan
Kenyah
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1923
Date collected
before 1923
Acquisition information
Donated: 1923
Materials and processes
Material Wood Plant, Material Pigment, Process Carved, Process Stained
Dimensions
Width: max 88 mm, Length: max 207 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1923.86.205
Research and responses

'Udok Aso' May refer to udoh asu or dog pattern, a design used on the forearm or thigh. Such designs are not easy to interpret, but are thought to developed from four joined or interlaced dogs' heads. The single figure of a dog is most common, but this elongated form suggests the double figure with two dogs with intertwined tails. Such designs are worn by men. See Hose and McDougall, 'The Pagan Tribes of Borneo vol. I', London : Macmillan and Co., 1912, especially pp. 248-9, plate 136.

Also see: Charles Hose & R. Shelford, 'Materials for a study of Tatu in Borneo', J.R.A.I. vol. xxxvi, 1906. (Balfour Library Pamphlets; 'Indonesia Borneo' Box). [CF 1/3/2001]

Associated publications
A colour image of this object appears as Image 2 in Plate 113 on page 117 of Iban Art: Sexual Selection and Severed Heads. Weaving, Sculpture, Tattooing and Other Arts of the Iban of Borneo, by Michael Heppell, Limbang Anak Melaka and Enyan Anak Usen. The caption reads: 'Iban cuan telingai; wood. ... 2 kala (scorpion) ... Pitt Rivers catalogue acc. no. 1923.86.' [MOBB 9/11/2018]

Search terms: Body Art, Tool, Technique, Tattooing Accessory, Body Art Accessory, Pattern

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