Augustine Anggat Ganjing: Basic Iban Design

The Ibans are one of the indigenous tribes of Borneo, one of
the Holy Lands for Tribal Tattoo devotees. If you are into Bor-
neo style tribal tattooing, I can wholeheartedly recommend a
visit to those shores: beautiful place, very nice people, and in
my experience nothing but positive reactions towards heavily
tattooed persons.

Ganjing's book has by many tattoo artists been labelled the
"Bible of Iban (Tattoo) Design". Very likely that this is true:
the subject is not widely written about in the first place.

"Basic Iban Design" does in its introduction recount the story
of how tattooing first arrived on the island of Borneo, but
only a small part of the book is specifically on Iban tattoo de-
signs. Though all the fabric, pottery, etc. patterns are defini-
tely more than just a little helpful in learning to understand
Iban Tattoo design, and one can easily see how they corre-
late to traditional Borneo tattooing; and vice versa.

Without a doubt, "Basic Iban Design" is a must-have for all
of you tribal tattoo aficionados out there.

This is, btw, one of the exclusive tattoo books that I carry.
I have so far not found "Basic Iban Design" anywhere but
in Borneo (not even on Malaysian Mainland; where in many
parts tattoos are usually frowned upon anyways).

THE ADVANTAGES OF TRADITIONAL TATTOOING

 -less painfull -no burning feel on the skin -less bleeding -heal faster(2-3 days) -no annoying noise compare to the gun/machine. -more peacefull -and lots more for u experience For more info,find us here; Borneo Headhunters Tattoo and Piercing Studio 1st Floor 47 Wayang Street 93250 Kuching Sarawak East Malaysia Tel/Fax: 006-082-237062 Mobile: 006-019-8566317 Email: info@borneoheadhunter.com Website: www.borneoheadhunter.com

TATTOO AFTER CARE

 Here is a list of things that you should do once you've gotten yourself a tattoo. 1. Take the bandage/cover off after 2-3 hours. 2. Give the tattooed area a mild soap wash twice daily using only your hand. 3. Make sure it is thoroughly cleaned. 4. Pat it dry with an unused clean towel. 5. Let the tattoo "air dry" for at least an hour. 6. Then for the next 3 days, apply a light smear of antiseptic cream 2 -3 times daily. (Use either Savlon by Johnson & Johnsons or Dettol Cream. Do not use Vaseline.) 7. Do this until all the scabs come off. 8. After the third day, switch to any non-perfumed moisturising cream or lotion. 9. If your tattoo starts to peel, do not pick or scratch, let it shed naturally for the best results. Apply lotion to keep it moist. 10. If your tattoo itches, don't scratch it! Instead, slap it to make the itch go away. Once it is healed, apply sunblock before spending an extended time outside. 11. You may want to have it touched up every few years to keep it looking new and vibrant. 12. Remember: Do not at any time, scrub your tattoo before it is fully healed. A tattoo is considered completely healed when it is about 3 months old. No skin to skin contact with people or pets. No scratching, picking or peeling. No swimming, sauna, jacuzzi or tub. No direct sunlight for at least one (1) month. No tanning salon or contact sports. No shaving. Note: Please remember that the outcome of your tattoo depends on how you take care of it. www.borneoheadhunter.com

Borneo Iban Tattoo

Borneo, located in South East Asia is the third largest island in the world. The natives of Borneo consist of different tribes where each has its own language and culture. Though their languages and cultures are different, all tribes share something in common: the tradition and practice of tattooing. For many centuries, the tradition and practice of tattooing has also been a way of life for the Iban - one of the largest tribe amongst the natives. Tattoos were very much entwined with every aspect of their culture. The practice of tattooing was a sacred activity that connected the people to the spiritual world. Tattooing was also linked to the men's success in headhunting and the coming of age amongst the womenfolk. Aside from symbolizing their social status, tattoos also enhanced the women's beauty. It is believed that the darker the color of the tattoo, the more beautiful the tattoo and the bearer is. Women were also tattooed as proof of their accomplishments in weaving, dancing or singing. Aside from these, the Ibans also bore tattoos for protective purposes as it is said to help ward off harm and disease. www.borneoheadhunter.com