KUCHING, April 5: Amidst the vibrant buzz of ink and artistry, the Kuching International Tattoo Expo commenced with the sacred Miring ceremony held at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) in Kuching today.
The Miring ceremony holds special significance, says Sarawak Culture an Arts Association (Persatuan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Tajai Sarawak) president Themotty Tajak, who highlighted its importance in the Iban culture.
“It (Miring ceremony) is like a prayer for us (Ibans) to request for something good from the Almighty whom the Ibans refer to as ‘petara’, meaning God.
“The musical performance takes place with the ceremony, along with the playing of percussive instruments such as the traditional ‘gendang’ (drum) and gong. This ‘gendang’ is like the modern phone used for us to call onto the ancestors’ spirits to come,” said Themotty, who is also an ambassador to the Gabungan Asal Orang Sabah/Sarawak (GOASS).
To him, ‘tapai’ (fermented rice) water must be used as an offering despite the existence of modern alcoholic beverages such as beer and liquor.
“They (‘petara’) will come down during the Miring ceremony to bless the event so it can run smoothly and successfully,” he explained.
Ink-spiring presence: global tattoo artists make their mark in Kuching
There are 54 tattoo studios participating in the expo, featuring approximately 160 tattoo artists from both local and international origins, including countries such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Kalimantan, and Japan, among others.
A mentor-mentee duo named Timo van Rheenen and Rachel de Brujin, hailing from the Netherlands, were among the select global tattoo artists who had come to Sarawak to showcase their artistry.
Some of Rheenen’s designs drawn inspiration from art nouveau and other art movements from the classism period whereas Brujin’s embodies more symbolic designs that represent personal meaning and significance to her.
Another tattooist, Cudjuy Patjidres, from Taitung, Taiwan was stationed at the outdoor hall alongside other artists who used traditional methods to demonstrate their craft.
The tattoos adorning his skin featured traditional motifs belonging to his tribe, symbolising a snake protector revered by his community.
Cudjuy said that the tattoo designs are based on hierarchical rankings within each tribe, nothing that women also bear tattoos, albeit limited to their hands.
“You will know that the person is has a high rank within the community based on their complicated tattoo designs,” said Cudjuy when asked about the significance of each motif.
For those eager to get inked by a diverse array of local and global artists, the Kuching International Tattoo Expo 2024 kicks off today and runs until April 7.
Entry fee is RM15 per person. — DayakDaily
