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 Through Central Borneo by Carl Lumholtz
