There are many cultures in the world which use tattoos and body decoration, the Iban tradition is certainly one of the most well developed and interesting. In the past most adult members of the Iban tribe from Borneo were tattooed. Each design has it’s own meaning, and each area had it’s own set of tattoo designs.
The traditional Bunga Terung tattoo at the back of the shoes have such a deep meaning behind it;
1) One on each shoulder for the ‘Berjalai’ journey to make you stronger to carry your travelling pack,
2) Done in pairs, for balancing and protecting both sides of your body,
3) The centre coil to symbolise the transformation from a tadpole (young man) to maturity.