1923.86.210

Collection type

Object

Description

Tattoo pattern block, carved from wood; abstract design of scrolls and points. Stained with black pigment [SM 30/09/2010]

Geographical reference

Malaysia

Asia > South-eastern Asia > Malaysia

Sarawak

Cultural groups

Iban

Kayan

Kenyah

Person

Field collector Charles Anthony Johnson Brooke

PRM source Third Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Vyner de Windt Brooke

PRM source Bertram Norman Sergison Brooke

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1923

Date collected

before 1923

Acquisition information

Donated: 1923

Materials and processes

Material Wood Plant, Process Carved

Dimensions

Length x Width: max 115 x 81 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1923.86.210

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. 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 3 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. ... 3 undai (prawn) ... Pitt Rivers catalogue acc. no. 1923.86.' [MOBB 9/11/2018]

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