The Wallace Collection

The Arts of Island SE Asia

  • Gallery
  • Books
  • Contact
  • About
Home > Borneo > Tattoo Stencil

Tattoo Stencil

Iban Dayak

Wood

19th century

Tattooing is an integral part of the Dayak’s culture. They are applied on both the body and garments to display status or enhance aesthetics. Among Borneo’s Kayan people, women are the artists, a privilege passed from mother to daughter. Among the Iban, the largest indigenous group in Borneo, men apply the tattoos. This tattoo stencil shows a stylized dog-dragon (aso), interlaced with a composite of floral motifs . It is carved from hardwood and shows a stained black patina.

« Prev PostNext Post »

© 2019 Wallace Collection

Designed by – Zell Liew