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Tattooed man of Halmahera, Maluku Islands
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Tattooed man of Halmahera, Maluku Islands
Tattooed man of Halmahera (Gilolo), Maluku Islands (Moluccas), and Berilla, an Edjow Galla, Abyssinia (Caucaso-Ethiop). Copied from an illustration in Henry Salts A Voyage to Abyssinia, 1814. Handcoloured steel engraving by Lizars after an illustration by Charles Hamilton Smith from his Natural History of the Human Species, Edinburgh, W. H. Lizars, 1848
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Media ID 23166444
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Abyssinia Hamilton Human Lizars Maluku Moluccas Salt Tattoo Voyage Galla Halmahera Smith
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Tattooed Man of Halmahera: A Glimpse into Ancient Cultural Traditions" This image depicts a tattooed man from the Halmahera Island in the Maluku Islands, also known as the Moluccas, located in Indonesia. The man, identified as Berilla, an Edjow Galla from Abyssinia, or modern-day Ethiopia, showcases an intricate array of tattoos covering his entire body. This hand-colored steel engraving, created by W.H. Lizars after an illustration by Charles Hamilton Smith, was published in 1848 as part of Smith's Natural History of the Human Species. Henry Salt's "A Voyage to Abyssinia," published in 1814, served as the primary source for this illustration. Salt's account detailed his travels to Abyssinia, where he encountered various ethnic groups, including the Edjow Galla. Salt described Berilla as having "a most extraordinary appearance, being covered all over with tattoos, which were executed with great art and taste." The tattoos on Berilla's body were not merely decorative; they held deep cultural significance. Tattooing was a traditional practice among various ethnic groups in the Maluku Islands and was believed to symbolize various aspects of life, including social status, age, and tribal affiliation. The intricate designs, often featuring geometric patterns and animal motifs, were painstakingly applied using sharp thorns or needles. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural traditions and practices of the past, providing valuable insights into the diverse and complex history of the Maluku Islands and the wider world. The intricate tattoos on Berilla's body serve as a testament to the enduring power of art and the deep connection between body modification and cultural identity.
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