MUNDURUCU
The Mentawai are peoples of the islands off Sumatra's west coast, especially Siberut. Their distinctive tattoos follow the body with lines, curves and geometric arrangements.
Patterns run across the chest, back and limbs, with facial designs ending in elegant curves. Animal motifs bring the surrounding forest onto the skin. Tattooing involves outlining a design before repeated taps work pigment beneath the surface.
Headhunting once formed part of life on Siberut. Reimar Schefold recorded particular marks associated with successful raids, including a frog-like figure on the belly and, in some accounts, spirals on the forehead and shoulders. These were different from the wider designs worn by men and women.
Schefold first worked among the Sakuddei in 1967–1969. His research and photographs show tattooing alongside forest life and ceremony. In Mentawai beliefs, people share their world with the souls of animals, plants and objects; beauty and care help maintain those relationships.