The Apatanis Tribe
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: The Apatani women of Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, represent the last generation to wear the tribe’s traditional facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs, a practice banned in the 1970s but still proudly carried by elderly women.
About The Apatanis Tribe:
• Who They Are?
• The Apatani (Tanw, Apa Tani, or Apa) are an indigenous tribal group of Arunachal Pradesh. Known for their distinct cultural identity, ecological knowledge, and traditional practices.
• The Apatani (Tanw, Apa Tani, or Apa) are an indigenous tribal group of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Known for their distinct cultural identity, ecological knowledge, and traditional practices.
• Habitat:
• Primarily inhabit the Ziro Valley, located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Valley is bowl-shaped, scenic, and lies in the eastern Himalayan ranges.
• Primarily inhabit the Ziro Valley, located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Valley is bowl-shaped, scenic, and lies in the eastern Himalayan ranges.
• Apatani Facial Tattoos:
• History:
• It was introduced as a tribal protection strategy during times when raids and abductions by neighbouring tribes were common. Over time, it evolved into a marker of identity and cultural pride, signifying a woman’s belonging to the Apatani community.
• It was introduced as a tribal protection strategy during times when raids and abductions by neighbouring tribes were common.
• Over time, it evolved into a marker of identity and cultural pride, signifying a woman’s belonging to the Apatani community.
• Reasons:
• Protection from Abduction: Tattoos and large wooden nose plugs were intended to make Apatani women appear less attractive to outsiders and rival tribes. Identity & Dignity: Became a symbol of honour, belonging, and dignity within the community. Cultural Beauty Standard: Among the Apatanis, tattoos later became associated with tribal beauty ideals, despite being unusual to outsiders.
• Protection from Abduction: Tattoos and large wooden nose plugs were intended to make Apatani women appear less attractive to outsiders and rival tribes.
• Identity & Dignity: Became a symbol of honour, belonging, and dignity within the community.
• Cultural Beauty Standard: Among the Apatanis, tattoos later became associated with tribal beauty ideals, despite being unusual to outsiders.
• Custom & Process:
• Age of Tattooing: Typically done when girls were around 10 years old. Conducted by elder women of the tribe. Design (Tippei): A vertical line from the forehead down to the tip of the nose. Five lines tattooed on the chin. Nose Plugs (Yaping Hullo): Large wooden plugs inserted into both sides of the nose after cleaning the wood to prevent infection. Community View: Women with tattoos and plugs were considered honourable, proud custodians of tradition, and protectors of family dignity.
• Age of Tattooing: Typically done when girls were around 10 years old.
• Conducted by elder women of the tribe.
• Design (Tippei): A vertical line from the forehead down to the tip of the nose. Five lines tattooed on the chin.
• A vertical line from the forehead down to the tip of the nose.
• Five lines tattooed on the chin.
• Nose Plugs (Yaping Hullo): Large wooden plugs inserted into both sides of the nose after cleaning the wood to prevent infection.
• Community View: Women with tattoos and plugs were considered honourable, proud custodians of tradition, and protectors of family dignity.
• Decline:
• In the early 1970s, the government banned the practice, citing social stigma and hindrances to women’s employment opportunities in modern settings. Today, only elderly Apatani women still bear tattoos and plugs, making them the last living carriers of this tradition.
• In the early 1970s, the government banned the practice, citing social stigma and hindrances to women’s employment opportunities in modern settings.
• Today, only elderly Apatani women still bear tattoos and plugs, making them the last living carriers of this tradition.