Tattoo Pattern

Flat piece of wood carved to leave a pattern in high relief. The block is inked and pressed onto the skin as a guide for the tattooing. The rectangular shape, filled by the design of diamonds and scrolls, suggests that this is a repeat pattern for a woman's thigh. If so, the single line with which it is executed suggests that it must be for the use of a woman of an exceedingly low class - probably a slave.