In Borneo, many different forms of tattoo tools were used during the days of Olde.
During my tattooing career in Borneo, I noticed there was a lack of traditional wooden tattooing tools that were usable for actual practical use, I came across a few in Sarawak that were mainly for display and not suitable for the modern standards of tattooing.
It was then, that I decided to take it upon myself to make my own tools.
Decorative tattoo tools for display..not suitable for modern tattooing standards..
That was around the year 2012. Since then i have produced around 20 or 30 pairs of tattooing tap sticks for various artists and collectors from around the world.
In this post, I will share a few step of my process to produce Borneo handtap tools.
First step is to select the material to be used. I prefer Bornean iron wood locally known as Belian, for its density and weight.
2nd step is basic shaping and rough form. For this I use and hand saw and parang (machete). Care MUST be taken to avoid injury to the hand and fingers..
Next step is the final shaping of the wood and defining the shape of the finished tool. Also application of decorative motifs for aesthetic value.
Coming to the final stages, a small hole is drilled to set the tattooing needles. In the past, a resin was used to secure the needles made from tree sap called damar mixed with stingless bees wax
Natural Oil or stain can now be applied to the wood to seal the woody pores of the ironwood.
A striker is now needed in order to hit the tapstick and inject to needles and ink into the skin. The striker is Formed from a single piece of hardwood and shaped into somewhat crude club like instrument
The length and weight of the striker is determined by the preference of each individual artist.
2 pairs of finished borneo style tattoo tools
Different forms of tools were used in the past..
Many different forms of tattoo tools occur from around the world and this is only my attempt to better understand the processes of traditional tattooing.
Tattoos are awesome!
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