Artemis Gallery
Early 20th C. Dayak Wood & Bone Tattoo Set - Dragon
Product Description
Indonesia, Borneo, Central Kalimantan, Dayak peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. Two hand-carved Dayak wooden (likely ironwood) and deer bone tattoo tools. One features a handsome dragon finial carved from deer horn. The details of its visage - carved on both sides - are quite impressive and fierce. What's more, the dragon's tongue is actually a sharp metal needle wrapped with a cotton thread but still revealing the point. Completing the pair of tools is a mallet used to hit the tattoo implement. In Dayak society, tattoos were an important marker of social status and accumulated experience, and the tools used to make them were works of art in and of themselves!
Condition: Rich patina on all surfaces with light deposits especially in the lower profile areas. Minor fraying to one end of the cotton fiber wrapping the needle. Overall in beautiful condition with wonderful patina commensurate with age and handling over the years.
Product Details
- Materials
Wood, Bone
- OriginIndonesia
— Provenance: Ex-private Hawaii, USA Collection, Acquired In 2012
— Includes Certificate Of Authenticity
— Tool With Dragon: 12" L
— Spatula: 8.125" L
— Weight: 2 lb
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityCanada, United States
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Shipping PolicyStandard Ground Shipping
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Ship In3-4 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
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