1. For an Iban man, the 'bunga terung' was the first tattoo he got as it signifies a coming of age. This motif is only for men. After that it will aid you on your 'berjalai' or walk. For an Iban to 'Berjalai' means to travel and gain new knowledge and experiences.

2. The 'Bunga Terung' identifies the person as an Iban and back in the warring times this was important. Communal identification keeps the tribe together and strong. This is akin to the family tattoos of the Maoris.

3. Iban tattoos were believed to protect their person from harm and evil spirits. It was a way to tell the gods that you exist. In the afterlife, they allow the gods to see you. I imagine that they will glow much like fireflies.

4. Frogs, crabs, the creeper plant and scorpions are all popular motifs in the Iban tattoo lexicon. Though, my late grandfather had a fishing hook on his right calf which I think meant he was a bad-ass fisherman.

5. If an Iban man had daughters then he may have the 'bunga terung' tattooed on his back, a pair for every daughter. He symbolically carried his daughters, I like that picture. My late grandfather had three pairs along his back.

6. Any design tattooed on the limbs must be a pair. I believe it meant the motif was complete. My tattoo artist refused to add new tattoos on me till I completed the set of tattoos I had on my arms.

7. During their 'berjalai' Iban men tend to tattoo motifs they see as remembrance. This can produce some really funny images, like the old uncle who tattooed a white and black lady on his chest. One for the first time he met said ladies. I'll stick to taking photos.

8. There are motifs that are specific to the ethnic group and even to gender. Skilled women weavers had scorpion or centipedes tattoos to protect and ward off evil spirits when weaving.

9. Finally, tattoos for Ibans is not merely cultural but it denotes the identity of the community. That when I go 'bejalai', if I find a 'bunga terung' tattooed on a man in London. I can approach him and speak Iban; for he is now visible to me and not just the gods.