Henry Golding, a Malaysian actor, has been known for his tattoos, including the “crippling fig tree” tattoo. Born in Sarawak to British-Malaysian parents, Golding proudly embraces his Ibanese heritage through his body art. He has several tattoos, including matching ones on each shoulder, torso, triceps, and an especially large one on his thigh.
Golding revealed that he had a number of tattoos in a video by WIRED, explaining that the tattoos stem from traditional Iban tattoos. At the age of 18, while still in Surrey, UK, Golding got a tattoo on his right arm with the words “child of Sarawak, son of Margaret and Clive” in Iban script.
Golding’s bejalai culminated with an Iban tattoo from Ernesto Kalum, one of the few Ibans who still performs native tribal body art. The Bunga Terung motif is on Golding’s shoulder, which translates to “child of Sarawak, son of Margaret and Clive”. Golding shared a photo of himself getting a tattoo on his foot by tattoo artist Robinson Unau Gaong of Borneoheadhunters Tattoo Studio.
Golding is active in his fitness routine with his wife, Liv Lo, and has several tattoos on his shoulder, ribs, and torso. He has also had his leg painfully inked for 10 hours by one of the last Iban tattoo artists. Golding’s tattoos have become a part of his identity as an actor and continue to inspire others to embrace their Iban heritage.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Golding | I had an arduous 7 hour session last night … | For the Iban, tattooing the traditional way is a birthright and experience I won’t soon forget. | instagram.com |
| Here’s the Incredible Tribal Story Behind Henry Golding’s … | Golding’s bejalai culminated with an Iban tattoo from Ernesto Kalum, one of the few Ibans who still performs native tribal body art. He chose … | nextshark.com |
| Crazy Rich Asians heartthrob Henry Golding gets inked in … | Crazy Rich Asians heartthrob Henry Golding gets inked in Kuching, mysterious tattoo design leaves fans eager for reveal … KUCHING, Nov 9: “Ow… @ … | dayakdaily.com |
📹 Henry Golding’s Final Challenge Surviving Borneo (6/8)
Completing his Bejalai, the traditional Iban rite of passage, means Henry Golding can now give credibility to the tribal tattoos he …
📹 Henry Golding’s Final Challenge Surviving Borneo (7/8)
Tattooing has always been an intrinsic part of Iban culture, marking the various life experiences and journeys undertaken.
You made me cry with this article. Wao, it was too much. The thing I liked the most was the humbleness of you and the people there. I connected with you throught ‘the last christmas movie’.. Your sight is so deep. Thanks for existing. You are a example of going too far due to the great willingness. ( Sorry for my english, Im a spanish speaker).
Stop complaining already. I got 12 tattoos, and two of them which are on my face are hand poked. I never made a sound. It’s way less painful, and brutal than with the tattoo machine gun. People just love to make indigenous tattooing sound brutal and savage than it is… colonial mentality and imperialistic way of thinking!