By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 20: As the rhythmic beat of bamboo tapping echoes from a tattooing demonstration at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025, Iban tattoo artist Ambrose Ong leans over a visitor’s forearm, carefully driving ink into skin—one tap at a time.
His method? Hand-tapped tattooing—an ancient, traditional form of body art that predates modern tattoo machines and continues to survive today through the hands of artists like him.
Originally from Baram and of Iban-Chinese heritage, Ambrose has been practising the art of tattooing for the past 16 years. He began learning the craft from village elders during his school years in his hometown near Miri.
“Hand-tapped tattooing doesn’t belong to one tribe—most indigenous groups across Borneo have their own styles. There are many similarities,” he said.
Although he once operated his own studio, Ambrose now continues his tattoo work at his friend’s studio, Borneo Utara Tattoo Studio, based in Kuala Lumpur. There, he continues to offer both traditional and modern tattoo services, with growing interest from international clients.
During today’s session at RWMF, DayakDaily observed a client enduring the raw process with quiet determination, his hand tense and unmoving.
“His hand must be numb by now,” said Ambrose’s assistant, who added with a laugh: “We don’t use numbing cream—straight away hammering. No mercy.”
Despite the discomfort, Ambrose believes in preserving the traditional method for its cultural value.
“To me, someone has to do it. If not, the tradition will die. That’s why I continue,” he said.
The technique involves manually tapping a needle using wooden tools while the skin is stretched to ease the ink’s entry. Vaseline is applied to help the needle glide smoothly.
“Modern machines are high RPM, which actually traumatises the skin more,” he explained.
“With this hand-tapping method, it’s slower but gentler—and more connected to tradition. But yes, we use modern ink.”
Ambrose also designs his own patterns, offering both contemporary and tribal motifs rooted in Bornean symbolism. For Sarawak’s indigenous communities, tattoos have long held deep meaning.
“In the old days, tattoos weren’t just for beauty. For some Orang Ulu groups, they symbolised status,” he said.
“Especially for women—the more tattoos they had, the higher their social standing. Not rich in money, but in standards. Same for the men too.” – DayakDaily
