Context
The Apatani women of Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, represent the last generation to carry the tribe’s traditional facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs. Though the practice was officially banned in the 1970s, many elderly women still wear them with pride. These symbols reflect not only tribal identity and dignity but also a unique cultural heritage that is now on the verge of extinction.
About the Apatani Tribe
- The Apatani (also known as Tanw, Apa Tani, or Apa) are an indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh.
- They are well-known for their distinct cultural identity, sustainable ecological practices, and traditional customs.
- Habitat: The Apatanis primarily inhabit the Ziro Valley in the Lower Subansiri district, a scenic bowl-shaped valley in the Eastern Himalayas.
Apatani Facial Tattoos and Nose Plugs
Historical Background
- Introduced as a protection strategy during times of raids and abductions by neighbouring tribes.
- Later evolved into a marker of identity, dignity, and cultural pride.
Reasons for the Practice
- Protection from Abduction: Tattoos and large wooden nose plugs made Apatani women appear less attractive to outsiders.
- Symbol of Identity: Represented honour, belonging, and family dignity within the community.
- Beauty Standard: Considered a tribal ideal of beauty, though unusual to outsiders.
Custom & Process
- Age: Tattooing was usually performed when girls were around 10 years old.
- Process: Conducted by elder women using traditional methods.
- Tattoo Design (Tippei):
- One vertical line from forehead to the tip of the nose.
- Five parallel lines tattooed on the chin.
- Nose Plugs (Yaping Hullo):
- Large wooden plugs inserted into both nostrils.
- Wood was cleaned and treated to prevent infections.
- Community Perception: Women with tattoos and plugs were seen as honourable custodians of tradition.
Decline of the Practice
- In the early 1970s, the Indian government banned the practice.
- Reasons for ban:
- Associated with social stigma.
- Seen as a barrier to women’s education and employment in modern society.
- As a result, younger generations abandoned the practice.
- Today, only elderly Apatani women bear tattoos and nose plugs, making them the last living carriers of this tradition.
Conclusion
The facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs of Apatani women are more than physical markers — they represent a history of resilience, identity, and cultural pride. With modernization and changing social norms, the practice has faded into history, leaving behind only a few elderly women as living archives of this tradition. The story of the Apatanis highlights the delicate balance between preserving heritage and adapting to modern realities.
Source : TheHindu
