Sentani Tribal Tattoo

The traditional tattoos of the Sentani tribe, Jayapura Regency, Papua, which are commonly called enahu by the locals, are now starting to be forgotten. The reason is that knowledge of one of the traditions of the indigenous people of the Sentani tribe is only limited to people who are old, while the younger generation is no longer there.

Knowledge of traditional Sentani tattoos is limited to the elderly Sentani people. Of the many Sentani cultural arts that are displayed at the Lake Sentani Festival (FDS) from year to year, they have never displayed the tattoo tradition of the Sentani tribe. In addition, there is a need for research to document the traditional Sentani tattoos before they became extinct.

The material for making enhu (tattoo) is in the form of charcoal from the burning of wam wood mixed with breadfruit tree sap. Then sago thorns or fish bones are dipped in sap and charcoal, then stabbed on the chest, cheeks, eyelids, calves and hips and the back of the body.

This tattoo is made three months before the wedding ceremony is held.

Tattoo motifs for Sentani women are images of nine fish, eels, and birds of paradise. The function of the tattoo is to beautify the bride's face. While the symbol of a bird of paradise and fish is a woman who is a source of life for children and the community.

While the function of tattoos for men is to make the groom handsome. Tattoos for the groom Sentani in the form of a crocodile, saw shark, snake and cassowary. These animals symbolize the masculinity of a man.

The groom must be manly in facing life's challenges that must be faced with a manly soul so as to achieve great success.

Tattoo designs are adapted to the narrow area of ​​the body to be tattooed, for example, a tattoo on the nose will follow the shape of the nose. But unfortunately Sentani's traditional tattoo is only known by the older generation, the younger generation of Sentani is currently not familiar with traditional tattoos.

Body jewelry that is commonly worn by both men and women in Sentani is tattoos on the face and some parts of the body (hands and feet) that are made permanently. Tattoos are a symbol of one's power, beauty and social status. Therefore, the type and form of tattoos depend on social status (ondofolo, kotelo/chief, and yobu yoholom) and gender.

Tattoos are inscribed traditionally, using sago thorns or ready thorns (a type of sweet potato with hard thorns). The thorns are dipped in wood charcoal, then pricked on the part of the body to be tattooed.

Sentani men have more simple tattoos on the nose and forehead. Women have more complex tattoos on the forehead, back, arms, and calves.

Tattoo designs are usually in the form of ornament fragments, animal images, and symbols. Tattoo design also depends on the narrow area of ​​the body to be tattooed, for example, a tattoo on the nose will follow the shape of the nose.