Tattooing on the Moluccan islands is traditionally linked to religious ceremonies, which often included human sacrifice. The extinction of the Moluccan tattoo culture can partly be explained by the Dutch colonial authority’s prohibition on headhunting and other customs. A secret society among on the Moluccan island Seram, called Kakéan, attempted to ensure the perpetuation of these customs. New recruits were tattooed at their initiation, often with cross-like patterns on the chest, shoulders and arms. New tattoos were added each time the society met. The meaning of the tattoos can only be guessed at because members were sworn to secrecy in all matters relating to the initiation ceremony, under pain of death. For example, the initiation sign used by the Wemale on West-Seram was a stylised bird’s wing placed symmetrically on the forehead. Under Dutch control, the brotherhood lost much of its importance and was eventually banned. Members continued to meet in secret for a while, and new initiates were tattooed on less visible areas, such as directly below the anus.