Get to know the Tattoos of the Kalimantan Dayak Tribe
Tattoos for some Dayak tribes tattoos are something that is inseparable from their bodies, tattoos for the Dayak tribe are something sacred that is closely
related to several events and goals that have become tribal culture in Indonesian Borneo. However, we need to remember that not all Dayak tribes use tattoos, and not all Dayak tribes have the same tattoos, some tattoos have the same motif, it’s just that sometimes there are some modifications.
The Purpose of Making Tattoos for the Dayak Tribe
Reporting from asyoulikeittattoo.com tattoos in the Dayak tribe are called «tutang», each tattoo motif has a different meaning, making and placing tattoos should not be done carelessly.
According to the belief that black tattoos found in the Dayak tribe will turn into gold and become a light for the path to immortality after they die and have gone through the Tiwah ceremony.
In addition, tattoos also have several functions including:
- Marker that the owner of the tattoo is a native of the Dayak tribe.
- Protect the owner of the tattoo from the influence of evil spirits.
- As a marker that the owner has passed Kinyah (martial arts using Saber).
- As a reward for services because they often help or treat.
- As a reward for bravery on the battlefield (beheading).
- As a sign that the owner of the tattoo has migrated to various tribes.
- For women as a sign that the woman is ready to marry.
As a marker of differences in social status.
and other functions.
Various Kalimantan Dayak Tribe Tattoos
The shapes and images of tattoos in the Dayak tribe are generally taken from nature such as hornbills which represent the upper world, the lifelines of frogs which represent the underworld, as well as several motifs such as eggplant flower motifs, tree branches and various other forms taken from nature. .
Besides that, it is also known as tutang bajai (crocodile tattoo), pictures of dragons, saluang murik, apui (fire), palapas langau (fly wings), manuk tutang usuk, matan punei (eyes of the Punei bird), manuk tutang penang, lampinak (like a cross). , piled steel wall stakes.
Male Tattoo
Tattoos on the fingers show that the owner is a person who has contributed a lot in helping people.
An eggplant or eggplant flower tattoo with a picture of a lifeline (the shape of a frog’s intestine) in the middle is a sign that a man from the Dayak tribe has entered adulthood.
Tiger face motif tattoo, this tattoo is usually placed on the thigh showing a high social status for the owner.
The Rekong Carving Tattoo located on the neck functions to give strength to the throat or serves as a protector so that it is not beheaded by the enemy’s Mandau.
Female Tattoo
The Tedak Kassa tattoo is located on the leg, indicating that the woman is an adult.
The Tedak Usuu and Tedak Hapii tattoos on the hands serve as guardians from evil spirits.