A peek into one of the world's oldest body art tradition.
The Ibans or Sea Dayaks are a branch of the Dayak peoples of Borneo, in Southeast asia. Most Ibans are located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It is believed that the term "Iban" was originally an exonym used by the Kayans, who referred to the Sea Dayaks in the upper Rajang river region when they initially came into contact with them as the "Hivan".
In 2002, American tattoo anthropologist Lars Krutak photographed an elderly Iban tattoo artist, Maung of the Skrang River in Sarawak. Maung reportedly fought Japanese soldiers that were armed with heavy machine guns during the second world war and Japanese occupation in Malaya with nothing but his spears and charmed tattoos.
"They just went around and through me and I was never wounded," said Maung, as quoted by Lars Krutak.
The oldest surviving Iban tattoo artist from Skrang river claimed that all the tattoos that he hand-tapped were magical thanks to the meteorite that dips in all the tattooing inks he makes.
The word tattoo is said to have originated from the Tahitian word "tatu", which refers to the act of marking something.
The Ibans believe that their tattoos have protective powers in the form of charms that are given by antu (spirits) through dreams, when one is asleep.
Ibans without tattoos are said to be virtually invisible to gods, as the spirits attached to these tattoos allow the men to be seen by their gods.
Krutak says that about 500 years ago, the art of tattooing was practised widely by approximately 1,000 indigenous tribes all around the world, but over the years most of these ancient tribes have vanished.
Here are some interesting facts about the Iban traditional tribal tattoos.
1. Traditional Iban tattooing practice is deeply associated with headhunting and is synonymous with the coming-of-age ceremony for men, bejalai.
2. The Iban community believe that the traditional hand-tapped tattoos have the ability to intimidate evil spirit and is a language on its own.
3. One of the most fascinating things about traditional Iban tattoos, lies in the process and its tools. It is said that a hand-tapped tattoo can last and look its best even after years of being exposed to harsh weather conditions.
4. The most basic type of Iban tattoo is the bunga terung design. It is usually the first tattoo that a man gets before going on his bejalai or coming-of-age ceremony.
5. Each tattoo's design and placement refers to a particular meaning and significance. A tattoo on the back of a man is said to protect the wearer from having his head cut off.
6. Another common design, is the scorpion tattoo, which is usually placed at the arms or thighs of a man and symbolizes the journey of the wearer.
7. It is not only the men who customarily get tattoos in the Iban community. Traditionally, Iban women's tattoos are associated with weaving ceremonial garments that are used to hold freshly severed heads from headhunting trips.
With tattoos gaining popularity among the masses, more people are also opting for the traditional designs. Is it offensive for non-Ibans to get traditional tattoos or even alter them?
Traditional Iban tattoos are considered as sacred symbols that connect the community to their gods and protect them from evil spirits. Ibans receive the tattoos as rewards and as an illustration of their journey in life.
Since these symbolizations make it an integral part of the Iban culture and tradition, it may be deemed offensive for people from other communities to get these traditional tattoos without understanding its significance.
It can also be seen as cultural appropriation which is defined as taking or adopting another community's traditional knowledge, cultural expressions and intellectual property. This includes a particular culture dance, music, sacred objects, cuisine, medicine and religious symbols. Cultural appropriation can be seen as a form of oppression on minority cultures as it has the possibility to alter and strip a community's age old traditions and cultures.
However, the Iban community has been known to be warm and generous with sharing their traditions and culture. With tattoo parlours like the Borneo Ink and Borneo Headhunters Tattoo and Piercing Studio opening their doors and offering their services that include traditional Iban tattoos, it is proven that it is acceptable for non-Ibans to get the traditional tattoos.
While it is entirely possible for it to still be offensive to some, non-Ibans that are interested in the tribe's traditional tattoos can read up on it beforehand to better understand the meaning and significance attached to specific designs.
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