India | Arunachal Pradesh

Apatani Tribe




The Apatanis are settled agriculturists inhabiting the valley around Ziro-the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh. They belong to the Mongoloid stock. The Apatani society has two divisions mainly, mura (slave) and mite (patrician). The mites are distinguished by high stature, light skin, prominent nose and deep-set eyes, whereas the mura have more mongoloid characteristics. The older men-folk tie the hair in top-knots and tattoo the faces. Wearing of circular nose plugs and tattooing of faces is the most characteristic aspect of ornamentation of older Apatani women.

The Apatanis are good cultivators and practice both wet and terrace cultivation. Paddy cum fish culture is very popular among them. The Apatani society is patriarchal.



Updated on 11th November, 2005

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