Hand Tapping Tattoo in Indonesia
From Durga Press Release (by Aman Durga)
Genuine traditional technique known as “Hand Tapping” is known and founded throughout the Indonesian archipelago, such as various Dayak Borneo Kalimantan tribes and Mentawai tribe; as well as in other parts of Indonesia which already disappeared, such as in Lesser Sunda Islands (known as Nusa Tenggara) – Sumba, Rote Island, Flores and surroundings, Sulawesi, Nias, etc.
Hand tapping tattoo has a distinct differentiation with those made with modern technique by either coil or rotary tattoo machine. The pain caused by hand tapping tattooing also different. You would understand the difference once you have experienced tattooed by machine. The attraction and interest of traditional tattoo philosophy, its tradition and culture, as well as a distinct adventure whether a person would be interested to have hand-tapping tattoo.
Hand tapping tattoo process is very time consuming and requires a lot of patience. It also requires an intense and in-depth dialogue between the tattoo artist and the client compared to making modern tattoo with machine. During the making of hand tapping, you will going through a special journey back in time when hand-tapping tattoo still existed. The rhythm of the pieces of wood as the tattoo instruments for hours could feel meditative, although you have to bear the pain during the process, but would be an aesthetic and spiritual experience in your life.
Hand tapping Tattoo: how it works
It requires a solid team work during the making of hand tapping tattoo. The tattooist would control a shorter wood stick which has a sterile need at the end in order to penetrate the ink into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin under the epidermis. The second stick will then be tapped manually, together with an assistant, called ‘skin stretcher who is responsible to stretch the client’s skin so it is solidly spared.
The process is very time consuming and demands a high level of patience, concentration and accuracy from both the tattooist and skin stretcher. The high adrenaline level exerted during this process, caused exhaustion the tattooist and skin stretcher which can last for 1-2 days afterwards.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 June 2011 09:18
