The Apatanis Tribe:
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. 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.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.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.
