Dayak Tattoo (Indonesia)

By Tsering Tenzing Ghale @ Story Of My Tattoo

Each time I passed it the number grew and grew. See the show, not possible. Surprisingly, the huge, dark, polished nails, long curly hair and fit lady moved a little. The space between the two photographers was enough to push myself within. Nobody liked my move. Admiration, out of the box. Well, you got to take the advantage of the situation. Is it not? 

A girl in here early twenties was on the traditional Indonesian carpet, lying. The apprentice had her shoulders. She could hardly move. Her eyes were closed. The small light on her round Asian face had my heart melted. Her eyes closed forcefully with the beats of the wooden hammer (Ulin). I can’t say; pleasure/pain. It is very difficult to say. Some tattoo for the beeping machine pleasure while others do not. This has become one big question till date. Not all wood can be used as Ulin. It must be a special wood.

Today’s center of attraction is master Hendra (Folk Tattoo Space, Indonesia). In 1997 he had entered the industry. His guru’s basic lesson and his self taught techniques made him stronger and skilful. 17 years ago, he was in painting and design lessons at Indonesian Institute of Art. Now, he is well known all over the world. Conventions take him around the globe. This time he was in Nepal.   

If you were in Indonesia, you can tell which man comes from which culture. It would not be much a problem. The neck tattoo that represent which tribe men belong. Pantang (Tattoo) Rekong (Neck) on master Hendra’s neck represents his identity. I would refer it is as a citizenship. In the past days, men with different neck tattoo fought for survival and power. And men had to show bravery to get the tattoo. But today is it different. Men wear the neck tattoo to preserve their culture. It speaks about power and identity.  

Dayak tattooing style is very traditional. Artist Hendra uses natural color mostly black, a wooden hammer, a needle and a stick. The needle is fitted on the stick. The traditional needle has been replaced by the modern needle. But the process is the same. The philosophy is “Follow the culture. Keep it original.” He shared, “I grew in the culture and saw it everywhere. The young people chose other professions. I personally felt somebody got to give continuity to it. And I chose myself for it.” Hendra’s speed depends on his mood, completely. 

The Dayak tattoo culture is very strict when it comes for designs, gender and locations. A female would be ignored and looked down if she had the men’s tattoo. It is not acceptable in the Dayak culture. Anybody can have the Dayak tattoo in the modern days. But follow the ancient practice. Mr. Hendra said, “I tattoo Dayak tattoos to all. However, the designs, location and gender must be original. Men should have men tattoo and so with the women. This is our culture. I strictly follow it. We do not tattoo for money. For us it’s the culture. We follow it to preserve and maintain the originality by growing our own seed.” 

Beside the Pantang Rekong, Bunga Terung (Egg plant flower) is very famous. This tattoo is inked on the men’s shoulder. Inked by his friend, the tattoo represent that a person has grown up. It is called the travelling ID; passport. Back in the days, it was inked on the backbone. The designs can be customized but the position must be original. Dayak people compare the tattoo with the tortoise’s shell. It protects you from dangers. 

I crawled down to where I had untied my shoes. Picked the shoes, put it on and tied it back. I smiled back to artist Hendra and his apprentice. They smiled back. They were very warm and gentle people. I bowed down with “Thank You!” 

They said, “Terima Kasih”.