Tattoo Iban Man @ Murat, Skrang
by FH2o on September 5, 2006
We were at Murat or more precisely at Rumah Bansing, Nanga Murat, Skrang which is the furthest you could drive to get to Skrang River which is a tributary of the mighty Batang Lupar. From Murat one could travel upriver where there are about 40 longhouses located deep into the interiors. The furtherest one could go would require a couple of days travelling by motorised longboat. A kayaking expedition up the Skrang River would be challenging as it would be a paddle against the flow of the river and there are innumerous rapids to negotiate along the way.
As I was daydreaming of longhouses kayaking by the banks of the Skrang River, an Iban man arrived to embark on a journey back to his longhouse and my eyes were drawn to the extensive and elaborate tattoos on his arms and legs; a most uncommon sight these days and a
vanishing sight and culture to be relished. Sensing my appreciation of his proud heritage and past, he took off his shirt so that I could have a better look at the rest of his beautiful body art. I felt privileged as he gave me permission take photographs of his tattoos and even agreed to pose with me; and I felt positively naked adorned only with modern clothings. Who amongst us has so much deep pride in their heritage and culture to have it etched permanently onto one skin?
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We were at Murat or more precisely at Rumah Bansing, Nanga Murat, Skrang which is the furthest you could drive to get to Skrang River which is a tributary of the mighty Batang Lupar. From Murat one could travel upriver where there are about 40 longhouses located deep into the interiors. The furtherest one could go would require a couple of days travelling by motorised longboat. A kayaking expedition up the Skrang River would be challenging as it would be a paddle against the flow of the river and there are innumerous rapids to negotiate along the way.
As I was daydreaming of longhouses kayaking by the banks of the Skrang River, an Iban man arrived to embark on a journey back to his longhouse and my eyes were drawn to the extensive and elaborate tattoos on his arms and legs; a most uncommon sight these days and a vanishing sight and culture to be relished. Sensing my appreciation of his proud heritage and past, he took off his shirt so that I could have a better look at the rest of his beautiful body art. I felt privileged as he gave me permission take photographs of his tattoos and even agreed to pose with me; and I felt positively naked adorned only with modern clothings. Who amongst us has so much deep pride in their heritage and culture to have it etched permanently onto one skin?
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
to your last comment are we proud enough to have tattoo etched into our skin, well, sure, but then again, tattoo’s is not only beauty but it is also status and ritualistic in the Dayak culture, so are we worthy to tattoo ourselves is the first question we should ask? Sure we can create some other forms of work of art but the traditional motives has a meaning to it and therefore, before we attempt to tattoo a traditional motive on ourselves, ask ourselves and research properly what is the meaning of that design and are we worthy to have it imprinted on us
qv - yes and I doubt I would get any tattoo done anytime soon! it’s also a very personal as well as permanent decision.
Traditional tattoo holds an intrinsic and ritualistic value. Not so for those idolistic tattoo. qv has put a good reminder for those getting a life-long imprint.
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Always looking for good information. Informative and thought provoking article never thought about this issue this way.
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