SAMPLES OF DAYAK TATUING
The figure of a man represents a Lower Katingan, particularly a kapala at Tewang Rongkang, the only one I saw with tatu marks on the knees. These depict a fish of ancient times. On each thigh is the representation of a dog or possibly the nagah with a dog's head.
The central tatu design represents a tree, the trunk of which rises from the navel; adjoining it above are two great oval designs stretching across the chest and depicting the wings of a fowl. The tree which is called garing, is a fabulous one that cannot be killed. This same pattern may be observed on the mats of the Kayans.
Down the arms and over the shoulders are similar designs representing leaves of the areca palm.
The border around the wrist is a representation of a bird called susulit. The cross on the hand represents the beak of this bird; the starlike figure is the eye of the hornbill.
The globular tatu mark on the calf of the leg (h) is peculiar to Katingans, Ot-Danums, and other tribes. The design below, representing a certain fruit, was seen on a Katingan.
The seven tatu marks to the right (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) represent the durian in various phases. The upper (a) to the left is a ripe durian, a design often observed in the tribes, one on each shoulder of a man. The next three (b, c, d) are young fruit, often seen one above each nipple. The next figure (e), usually observed on the upper arm (in front) represents 14 durians.
Above the nails of the tatued hand of a Penihing woman (f) are seen similar triangular marks, while across it runs a border representing the protuberances of the fruit. The latter designs are also found on the foot (g) of the same individual. The cross lines over fingers and toes represent banana leaves.
[Illustration: SAMPLES OF DAYAK TATUING: Tatuing of Lower Katingan a. Bukit b. Bukit c. Bukit d. Saputan e. Long-Glat f, g. Hand and foot of Penihing woman, Durian designs h. The globular tatu mark]
End of Project Gutenberg's Through Central Borneo:, by Carl Lumholtz