The Apatani women of Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, are the last generation to wear traditional facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs. This practice was banned in the 1970s but is still maintained by elderly women. The Apatani (Tanw, Apa Tani, or Apa) are an indigenous tribal group known for cultural identity, ecological knowledge, and traditional practices. They primarily live in Ziro Valley, Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh, in the eastern Himalayan ranges. Facial tattoos and nose plugs were initially a protection strategy against raids and abductions by neighbouring tribes. Over time, they became symbols of identity, honour, dignity, and tribal beauty standards.
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