Tattoo Template

Dayak, Borneo
19th Century


Tatooing is an important part of everyday life for the tribes in Borneo. Whether it showcases status; or is used to enhance aesthetics, the Dayak are known for their ritual and ethnographic objects heavily adorned with tattooing. This carved template, exhibiting stylized Aso dragons, is a perfect example of the artistry of the Dayak. This is a very old example carved from hardwood with a deep aged and stained patina.

This object is 5.75 inches tall

SOLD / IN 10-04-09