This video shows how two tattoo artists from the Borneo Headhunter Tattoo studio in East Malaysia work together to create a traditional Iban tattoo. The tattoo artist uses two sticks, one with a needle attached to the end, the other a plain piece of wood. After dipping the needle in ink, the artist uses the plain stick to tap the stick with the needle, repeatedly driving the needle into the skin to insert the ink under the dermis.
This method of tattooing existed long before modern tattoo machines were invented, yet it uses the same technique of repetitive pin pricks to create the tattoo. Though modern tattoo machines are widely used in Western tattoo art, there are still traditionalist tattoo studios in Asia where this form of folk art is still practiced. The Borneo Headhunter studio is one of such studios. They work by appointment only. You can contact them through their website.
