1923.86.375

Collection type

Object

Description

Tattoo pattern block, carved from wood with a scrolling and curved design. Traces of black pigment. [SM 29/09/2010]

Geographical reference

Malaysia

Asia > South-eastern Asia > Malaysia

Sarawak

Cultural groups

Kayan

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, Material Pigment, Process Carved, Process Stained

Dimensions

Length x Width: max 51 x 44 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1923.86.375

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]

According to Charles Hose & R. Shelford, ('Materials for a study of Tatu in Borneo', J.R.A.I. vol. xxxvi, 1906), the term lukut (for male wrist tattoos) means an antique bead much valued by the Kayans. Its significance is tied to the belief that the soul escapes the body when ill. To prevent this "the man will "tie it in" by fastening round his wrist a piece of string on which is threaded a lukut or antique bead". This can be lost or broken so a tattoo represents the bead. Both the bead & the tattoo are considered as a charm to ward off all diseases. [CF 1/3/2001]

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