Tattoo pattern block, carved from wood with a projecting pointed and scrolling design. No traces of black pigment. [SM 30/09/2010]

Collection type: Object
Description: Tattoo pattern block, carved from wood with a projecting pointed and scrolling design. No traces of black pigment. [SM 30/09/2010]
Long description: Tattoo pattern block, carved from wood with a projecting pointed and scrolling design. The design has four scrolling projections and four points between them. In the centre is a circular sun or star shape. No traces of black pigment. The block is 'X' shaped. [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 102 x 97 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1923.86.357
Research and responses: For information about tattooing and the patterns featured on these pattern blocks see Hose and McDougall, 'The Pagan Tribes of Borneo vol. I ', London : Macmillan and Co., 1912. Chapter 12. [JP 6/2/2001]
Also see: Charles Hose & R. Shelford, 'Materials for a study of Tatu in Borneo', J.R.A.I. vol. xxxvi, 1906. [CF 1/3/2001]

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