Let us save Tanii / Apatani Culture

Apatani terminology related to the paddy crop

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:22:00 +0000

Cooked rice is #Apíñ
Raw rice is #Embiñ/Imbiñ
Unhusked paddy is #Emmo /Imo

Saplings or transplanted paddy plant is #Endi/#Indi
Inflorescence paddy is #Elyañ/ #Ilyañ
Panicle of paddy is also #Elyañ
Dry roasted and Flattened new rice #Empi or #Chantaa

Husk or hull is #Empw/ Impw
Stubble is #Erañ

Let us learn the terms related to paddy crop in Apatani language.

#Apiñ #Embiñ #Emmo #Endi #Elyañ #Empi #Empw #Erañ

#Enso= new stems growing from old stubble

#Ensu=Chalky rice

#Ellu=musical instrument made of tender stalk of paddy crop

#Enkho=Stalk

#Entw refers to harvesting of paddy crops

#Enku refers to old stock of rice from previous Harvesting season

#Imbiñ #Indi #Ilyañ #impw (Hija)

Readers can provide more terms related to paddy, we will appreciate more if one could give input with pictures.

#Apatani_Language

#Tanw_aguñ

Shri Hage Kojeen IAS (Rtd)

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:32:00 +0000

Who's who in Apatani

**********************

Shri Hage Kojeen IAS (Rtd), State Election Commissioner, Govt of AP is one of those finest Apatani gentleman. He hails from Hari Village of Ziro Valley.

He joined Govt of AP as DIPRO in the year 1979 and he was inducted into IAS in the year 2000. He has served the state government in various responsible posts such as DC, Secretary to State, Secretary to Governor etc. He was serving as Commissioner, District Administration & General Administration deptt. before attaining his superannuation in August 2017.

Apart from having illustrious career as a government servant, Shri #Hage_Kojeen, IAS (Rtd) is one of those founder members of Apatani Youth Association (#AYA). He is also a founder Secretary of Apatani Cultural and Literary Society (ACLS).

Note: This is our littel effort to bringing awareness on who's who in Apatani for our youths. Any input from readers will be highly appreciated.

Photo from FB

#GK_for_youths

#torch_bearer

#Inspiring

Bagañ rinyo apu

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:21:00 +0000

Bagañ rinyo apu

Bagañ rinyo apu is Hoya linearis Wall. ex D.Don, a Himalayan native, is also called #porcelain_vine, #wax_vine or #wax_plant.

While potting it in pot one need to remember that this plant has weak roots, and it is crucial to provide it with a perfect environment. Watering when the topsoil is dry and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil can do the trick. It will love an extra seasonal feed of well-balanced fertilizer.

*Note : wild flowers looks good in wilderness, let's not disturb the original habitat for our Human greediness.

#Apatani

#Bagang_Rinyo

#Apu

Apatani Pottery making

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:15:00 +0000

Dekiñ pwchañ

Detailed view of the texture of a vintage earthen pot inherited by the Apatani family.

Previously, the Apatani people were skilled artisans in pottery making, which has been lost over time. This loss is significant to the cultural heritage of the community. Presently, we rely entirely on factory-produced utensils available in the market.

Many other Northeastern communities have continued the pottery-making craft, and their products are in high demand. It is regrettable that this art form could not have been preserved or revived.
#pwchañ #pottery #lost_Tradition #Apatani_pottery_making

Dekiñ pwchañ

Apatani Heritage textiles

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Wed, 24 May 2023 10:02:00 +0000

Apart from know how about judicious use of land, Apatani tribe is also known for their weaving. Apatani ancestors practiced organic dyeing of yarns in different colours and weaved intrinsic patterns.

Have a closer view of heritage weaves and it's patterns. We need to take proper curative measures to preserve these century old heritage clothes.

Photo sources : #Namer

Audio courtesy:All India Radio, Ziro

#Apatani_Heritage_textiles

#Apatani_weaves

Apatani from different generations

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Sun, 21 May 2023 05:10:00 +0000

Ngo Apatani ka Yapa...

Ngo Apatani ka Nyimuñ...

What are the 7 generations?

The 7 generations based on their birth years and how their attitudes and beliefs were shaped by their times and experiences. We define the 7 generations as follows:

Greatest Generation: Born 1901-1924

Silent Generation: Born 1925-1945

Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964

Generation X: Born 1965-1980

Millennials: Born 1981-1996

Generation Z: Born 1997-2012

Generation Alpha: Born 2013-2025

https://journeymatters.ai/7-generations/

Audio clip source: AIR Ziro

Apatani man in traditional attires

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Fri, 19 May 2023 04:44:00 +0000

○Apatani man of the past in traditional attires○

Those early anthropologist explorers of Apatani have cited in their book that "Apatani men were generally tall with athletic bodies". This photo of Apatani man from past seems to be a proof of that citation.

Billo anyañ hoka Tanw milobo. Swka gwju-gwmyo atañ simi kapa nyado rañpe ha?

#Apatani_attires

Original photo (source not known)

AI colourized photo

Artists from Arunachal Pradesh are attending Cannes Film Festival 2023

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:32:00 +0000

Filmmaker #Nyago_Ete and actor #Millo_Sunka are representing Arunachal Pradesh in Cannes Film Festival 2023. The nominations comes from the Ministry of Broadcasting and Information, GoI.

Photo source: @mi.su0 in Instagram
#Millo_Sunka becomes the first Arunachalee actor to win best actress at international level. She has won best actor in Prisma Rome International Film Award 2023 for her short film #Nocturnal_Burger.

Nocturnal burger had it’s world premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival 2023. It is the largest independent film festival of the United States and it is also an official selection of the Aspen Film Festival 2023 (which is an Oscar qualifying film festival).

Popular model and actor #Andrea_Kevichusa representing Nagaland. She debuted in Bollywood movie #Anek starring Ayushmann Khurrana. She won the award for Best Debut Female Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023.

#Nyago_Ete is a FTII Pune graduate and has worked as an assistant cinematographer in Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon starrer Bollywood movie #Bhediya. Nyago Ete is also known as #Orunasol_Man

#Millo_Sunka has become the first Arunachalee actor to win the best actress award at the Prisma Rome International Film Award-2023 for her acting in a short film titled Nocturnal Burger. Millo Sunka hails from Ziro and grew up in Karnakata state of India as her father Shri Millo Tago IFS(Rtrd) was posted at various parts of Karnataka in Forest department.

She started her journey of acting from a theatre group in Bengaluru. Initially she was helping her friend in production, but soon she realised that she belongs to acting world. Her journey of onscreen acting started with her role in the film Axone (2020), numerous music videos published in YouTube and some ad campaigns (Puma and Facebook Meta), short film etc.
Comment
#Millo_Sunka
Feeling Proud seeing Apatani actor in contemporary Tanw dress and ornaments in Cannes.
She is a multilingual actor and can speak fluent Apatani, Hindi, English, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Tulu etc.

Dogs in Apatani Culture

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 18 May 2023 04:23:00 +0000

Dogs hold important cultural significance in Apatani tribe and they are regarded as part of the family. They are recorded in folklore for carrying rice grains to our ancestors to grow (species that grows in Ziro Valley) and their roles vary across different cultures.

Photo Instagrammed by @forever_Jenshi_nini

Apatani Nyibu (shaman)

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:17:00 +0000

***Apatani shaman during a ritual procession.***

This man is a shaman, wearing the distinctive costume of that specialist. He holds a ritual fan, made of hornbill feathers, and he wears a necklace of expensive conch-shell beads. The strap for his machete is decorated with cowrie shells, while several metal chains hang from the skewer in this hair... knot. He wears large hoop earrings, a woven headdress, a special jacket and (not seen here) a shaman's shawl underneath an ordinary shawl. He also wears a metal bracelet on one arm and a wrist guard with an Indian rupee coin on the other. Standing up from his typical hairknot is a small piece of split bamboo, which he will later take home and keep as a memento of the fact that he conducted this important feast. This photograph was taken as he was leading a procession through the paddy fields during an Apatani feast (Murung). Each year, several Apatani families celebrate this three-week long feast, involving mithun and cow sacrifice, public chanting by the shaman and complex gift-giving between the feast sponsor and various kin and ceremonial friends. During the procession, which takes place more than a week after the large animal sacrifice on the first day, the shaman leads a long line of young boys and men belonging to the sponsor's clan. Dressed in ceremonial finery and brandishing their machetes, they walk through the entire Apatani valley (only 8 kilometres long and 4 across), visiting all nine villages and each ritual platform in each village.

Courtesy: digital.info.soas.ac.uk

How can we save unique Apatani culture?

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 11 May 2023 10:23:00 +0000

The Apatani tribe of Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh is an indigenous group in India that has a unique culture and way of life. We all must put efforts in saving our unique culture, one must do these:

Photo credit : Hassang Frame's

Educate yourself about the culture: Learn about the Apatani people, our history, customs, traditions, and beliefs. This will give you a better understanding of our culture and the challenges we face.
Promote cultural tourism: Encourage people to visit the Apatani region i.e. Ziro valley where we are originated and learn about our culture. This can help create awareness and generate income for the community.
Support local artisans: The Apatani people have a rich tradition of handicrafts, such as bamboo and cane work, weaving, and pottery. Buy their products and support their livelihoods. Perhaps you also can learn to weave.
Encourage the younger generation to save our unique culture: Many young Apatani people are moving away from their traditional way of life. we must encourage them to learn about their culture and take pride in their heritage.
Photo credit : Hassang Frame's

Photo credit : Hassang Frame's
Preserve the environment: The Apatani people have a unique way of farming that is ecologically sustainable. Encourage the preservation of their traditional farming methods, which also will preserve the environment. we should work towards sustainability.
Photo credit : Tage Kanno
Partner with local organizations: Support local organizations that work to promote and preserve the Apatani culture etc.

Overall, it's important to approach cultural preservation in a respectful and collaborative way by our government working with the Apatani people themselves to ensure that their culture is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

TAMIÑ AI (Mahonia Nepalensis)

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:18:00 +0000

It is #Tamiñ_ai harvesting season in Ziro valley. Apart from eating it as a seasonal fruit, do we have any other recipes? Can we make anything else out of Tamiñ_ai rather than eating it in raw form?

Mahonia nepalensis (Tamiñ_ai in Apatani language) is a plant species that belongs to the Mahonia genus, which is part of the Berberidaceae family. It is commonly known as the Nepal barberry or Himalayan barberry and is native to the Himalayas and southern China.

Mahonia nepalensis is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2-3 meters in height. It has large, glossy, pinnate leaves with spiny edges and produces bright yellow flowers in the spring. The flowers are followed by clusters of blue-black berries that are edible but sour in taste.

In traditional medicine, various parts of the Mahonia nepalensis plant have been used to treat a range of health conditions, including fever, diarrhea, and inflammation. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which are believed to have medicinal properties.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Mahonia nepalensis is also cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is tolerant of a range of growing conditions, including shade, and is relatively low-maintenance.

  copy pasted from  Incredible Apatani valley 

#Taming or Tamiñ_ai (Mahonia napalensis) is a shrub used by Apatani tribe as a medicine and fo also used in preparing dye. It is also considered holy.

PC #TY
Tamiñ blooms

Unripe tamiñ ai

Unripened tamiñ ai

Changing colour of tamiñ ai is an indication of it's ripening stage.

If not consumed early, it perishes in couple of days

Ripened tamiñ ai

Jilañ pulye Kimono

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Mon, 01 May 2023 07:42:00 +0000

Apatani #Jilañ modified into #Kimono.

Si halyañ miyu gwdonw kapyo do. Simi Apatani miyu particularly Nyim gwdo koda public reaction nwtañ kendo pe ??
just a thought
Jilañ Pulye (Jilang ) is a handwoven cloth using a traditional backstrap loom. The patterns on the Jilañ Pulye  textile are inspired by nature and traditional Apatani motifs. Jilañ motifs has intricate patterns and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the weaver as well as to wearer. Jilañ Pulye is  a part of traditional wear of Apatani male's attire.
Jilañ Pulye textile is an important part of the Apatani culture and are worn during festivals and special occasions. They are also used as gifts and exchanged between families during weddings and other ceremonies.
The production of Jilañ Pulye textiles has faced several challenges in recent years, including the decline in traditional textile practices and the availability of cheaper, machine-made textiles. However, efforts are being made by the Apatani community and the government to preserve and promote this traditional art form through workshops, exhibitions, and other initiatives.

#Apatani_textile
Photo instgrammed by #Obidi_boidimarcella

Transplantation period: Halyin allu ludu

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Mon, 01 May 2023 06:49:00 +0000

Danyi donge dola hwla dumo duji kema;
Mwdo domiñ dola hwla damo daji kema!
Halyiñ allu si hache' myodu.
(Literal translation:
 Can't stop working just because sun is shining too hot; 
can't stop and stand still just because it is raining heavily!
 Halyiñ pwlo is the busiest time.)

Ziro natives are busy in transplantation their paddy saplings from #Midiñ(Nursery) to #Aji (paddy field). One of the busiest month for our farmers. 

Photos taken from various sources.
Endi (rice saplings) kwnne hepe donw?
Endi akkw kwkuñ, kwnyi, kwhiñ, kwpe, kwngo....

Midiñ (Nursery)

Endi bu'do

Ziro at present : Endi bu'nnw bo bu'nyado, endi lwnnw bo lwnyada.
PC #KojMama

Apatani and their paddies

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:58:00 +0000

https://fb.watch/kcZYiGbCrB/?mibextid=NnVzG8

Apatani Valley- Ziro

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 08:07:00 +0000

National Tourism Day is celebrated on 25th January every year in India. This video by Ngunu Ziro is the best representation of Apatani Valley- Ziro for tourism. Do explore Apatani people, culture, tradition and enjoy the natural beauty of Ziro. The best time to visit Ziro depends upon the nature of tourist. Cultural tourist can visit Apatani in the month of January & March -when major rituals like Murung and Myoko takes place. Also, one can enjoy Dree festival in the first week of July, Apatani showcases their culture and culinary during this agriculture festival. There is no exceptional time for Eco-Tourists, they can visit our valley in any season.

#Ngunu_Ziro

#Zir0_Tourism

Myoko festival of Apatani

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 11:09:00 +0000

Happy #Hwchi Myoko 2021

***************************** Flowering of #Takuñ_Apu (peach) in Ziro Valley is a mark of arrival of #Myoko rituals and celebration in #Apatani valley.

MYOKO festival of Apatani tribe comprises of the sequences of various rituals which lasts for nearly a month after official commencement of MYOKO on 20th of March every year. MYOKO is inaugurated with #Shama_pinwñ ritual by Apatani shaman- Nyibu. Myoko 2021 is hosting by Hwchi belt of Apatani plateau. Hwchi belt comprises of these villages #Hija, #Dutta and #Diibo

Apatani #MYOKO festival is celebrated in turns amongst the three hosting Apatani belts as shown in Myoko cycle. This festival has been practiced since epoch of Abotani, during rituals we prays and give offerings to our ancestors, our deities of natural surroundings and it is also the festival of #renewing our #inherited friendship and other relationships from our ancestors. During Myoko, every Apatani living far away places (mostly of the hosting village) tries to return hometown and celebrate Myoko with prayers for the prosperity of entire mankind. 🙏

Myoko is the best time for cultural-tourists around the globe to see Apatani traditional and cultural practices. Please note that -when one searches word " Myoko " in internet or FB, result appearing will be also about a popular city in #Japan. Coincidentally, MYOKO is a popular #Japanese tourist destination.

*Photos from archives #Apatani_culture #Myoko_Festival

Myth Associated With the Apatani Textile Culture

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 12:58:00 +0000

Myth Associated With the Apatani Textile Culture :

By #Takhe_Kani

(this post has been shared by #Taku_Tara in #TanwAguñChinsa, 2012)

The Apatanis of Arunachal are not only famous for their remarkable achievement of permanent terrace-wet-rice cultivation perfected by the indigenous irrigation system and fish-cum-paddy culture but also for their handicraft and handloom works. Their products, exuberant in colour, play a significant role in the socio-economic and socio-religious development of the Apatani society.

The finished product of the textile works of the Apatani are all classified into sacred and secular dress according to their uses. The sacred dresses are the dresses of the priests and ceremonial dresses of the woman. These robes are never used, other than during religious occasions. The ordinary or secular dresses are for protection against the climatic change and also to cover themselves.

The priest called nyibu, in Apatani, brings life and prosperity to man through his spiritual knowledge. In order to mediate in a befitting manner, the nyibu requires a set of dresses and ornaments, when recognised as a confident priest in his society.

The significance of the dresses and ornament of the priest is more concerned with religious traits. It is believed that they impart more spiritual knowledge, wisdom and supernatural powers to him. If the priest leaves out any of the items during his prayer it will adversely affect him as well as the solemniser.

The dress of the priest consists of zillang, a piece of shawl used during celebration of the socio-religious ceremonies like myoko, murung and subu; zibo (zigziro). Shawls are used only by the village council who lead the community feast, during myoko ceremony abyo, a small robe used during the prayer-time of myoko or murung or subu ceremony; zikhe tarii, a type of jacket richly designed in black and white in general. This is used with abyo; jilya, an Assamese cloth known as ari sador with or without design. This cloth is wrapped inside the zillang; milo-sampo, male beads of Tibeto-China origin; dinko, a copper or metal skewer which is put on hair-knot horizontally through the knot; dinko-ranyi, a ring chain made originally of gold, silver or bronze and is of Tibeto-China origin (this is put on both the ends of the skewer at the time of ceremony prayer); rarang, a big ear-ring of Tibeto-China origin; yaru-lachang, a small ear-ring also of Tibeto-China origin; kobyang, bangle originally imported from Tibet and China through neighbouring tribes; liiring, chain which is put on the hinges of the legs. Originally, it was made of gold or silver or bronze, and is of Tibeto-China origin; tarin is a cane knit ring attached with liiring; chiri, Tibeto-China sword with its scabber which is put on the body (the hanger of its scabber is decorated with cowry shell with sliced cane); miiyo-piilye, a bundle of peacock, hornbill and domestic cock feathers with handle made from cane knit bowl (used in the murung and subu ceremonies); pinta-yaju, a sacred vessel where laddle is made of a bottle-gourd; duting, a wooden plate with a small design on which the priest sits at the time of prayer; byoda, a piece of animal skin on which dunting is put; chibba, a small basket made of cane and knitted beautifully (may not be used in certain ceremonies, can be used when people go away to forests); alyi-lyikho, a bow without its string (used in the myoko ceremony only).

The aforesaid ornaments were mostly made of gold, silver bronze, copper and metal and were imported from Tibet and China through northern Nyishis ~~and~~ ~~Hill Miris~~ people in exchange of mithun, cow and rice. After discovering the trade routes towards the Assam Valley during middle of the 19th century, they obtained enough ornaments as well as agricultural tools from the plains people.

Without knowing the myths and tradition we cannot understand the meaning and concepts of the tribal culture and religion, because these are always associated with their life. Indeed, the myths, traditions and the sacred literatures throw a significant light on all aspects of tribal life, e.g. the origin, migration and cultural and religious identities of the tribes.

The sacred myths of the Apatanis reveal that Aba Donii-Hema Donii was the poorest among the poors in the society. priests performed ceremonies in order to bring him joy and prosperity. But by doing so, they too became poor till left with one boar and a mithun. Iipyo Nibo performed the murung ceremony in his house sacrificing one boar and mithun called Lyiyang Lyipo and Siyang Subu with the advice of Iipyo Popi, the supreme adviser of mankind. This ceremony was performed by Aba Nibo with full dress according to the advice of the Iipyo Popi. After this ceremony, Hema Donii became the richest of the rich along with his wife and children.

The female ceremonial costumes of the Apatanis are different from that of the male. The female costumes are classified into two, in accordance with their use : sacred and secular costumes. The sacred robes are used only in ceremonial occasions like murung, subu and myoko festivals. The secular or ordinary skirts are used as everyday dress. The ordinary garment, which are good-looking, are put on when the women are away from home. The ceremonial female costumes consist of billang abbi, a sacred skirt, tipya tari, a sacred jacket, pyami pulye, a piece of cloth for both men and women used on important occassions, and bisibilyee, a red skirt reserved only for ceremonial occasions,

Cotton was not cultivated by the Apatanis. This they got from the Nishis by exchanging rice and other household articles. Now, the yarns are available in the market. The women purchase the yarn and weave beautiful clothes in traditional pattern and designs. Weaving, ginning, spinning and other textile works are confined to women.

The designs of shawls and jackets of the priest as well as skirts of the woman signify Apatani's, religious belief. The sacred literature reveal that these designs belong to the goddess Chrung Yarmii Bunyi, and god Iiji Loma.

It is also noted that the dresses and ornaments of the priest are never buried with them, when they die. It is believed that if these are buried, their descendents would not become priests in future. If he has no son, he gives his dresses to the nearest cousin-brother. Therefore, their dresses and ornaments are preserved through the ages.

There are myths, legends and other stories associated with the dyeing, weaving, creating fibres, and knitting. The ceremonial dresses and ornament of the priest and women were considered as belongings of gods. So, both the layman and the priest never wore these other than on religious occasions. But the designed shawls, and scarlet skirts are now worn even by the school children. Those shawls, and skirts are very popular at the local marts and markets through local textile units and government emporiums.

#Apatani_textiles

#Nyibu_the_priest

Why did Apatanis practiced TATTOOING and NOSE-PLUGS (TIIPEY-YAPING)?

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:18:00 +0000

Photo credit: Incredible Apatani valley

Why did Apatani tribe practiced TATTOOING and NOSE-PLUGS (TWPEY/TIIPEY-YAPIN)?
============================================================
Whenever such question is asked to anyone of us being an Apatani, it becomes difficult to answer instantly. Absence of any written record makes it more tough to cite the actual reason for the practice of tattooing (by both men and women in past) and nose-plugs( or nose plates by women) . Mythological beliefs in connection to facial arts pracaticed by Apatani people is as follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a verse of Ami Niido from YORDA AYU –which is specially held during MURUNG festival. YORDA AYU is a form of MIJI-MIGUN dated from IIPYO-LEMBA and MUDO-LEMBA.
Kui kuli mi bije senyo la,
Kui kupe mi tiipe lenyo la,
Kui kuting mi ruting hugila,
Kuji pu mi byigo kuji pa,
Kusang pu mi pingang kussang pa,
Popi popa mi dimang dimpa pa,
Byundo Tabyung mi nyinding pa,
Radotiira mi map pa hempo la,
Talu myopu mi pyunyo la,
Talo myokha mi khenyo la.
Mudo Amyo poro ho,

Jindo Tajing mi pamung murii do,hetea terii do.

(shared by Mr. DANI TASSER in whatsapp group).

Here “Kui kupe mi tiipe lenyo la” reveals that TIIPE (Tattoo) was practiced by TANIIs from time immemorial.

This excerpt taken from “Silver Jubilee Dree Souvenir, 2000” give details about Mythological beliefs on practice of tattooing amongst Apatani. The softcopy version was provided by Respected Mr. GYATI RANA.

SIGNIFICANCE OF TATTOO AMONG THE APATANIIS (TIIPE PAKO NIING)

By Prof. PURA TADO, Dept. of Political Science Arunachal University, Now Rajiv Gandhi University.

Once upon a time there was a very beautiful lady called Ami Niidon Biinyi. She was very beautiful and was expert in all trades which a lady was expected to know. She was waiting for someone to propose her for marriage. Unfortunately for her, time passed by and no one came forward to propose her. She was growing older day by day yet no one was ready to marry her. Along with her growing age she would lose her capacity to be a mother. This thought made her sleepless and made her older. She could not bear her predicament anymore and one day decided to ask God to solve her problem. Accordingly she asked God to tell her ways by which she could regain her lost youth and beautiful once again so she could attract somebody to marry her. “In order to regain your youth and beauty and capacity to be mother, you must tattoo your face and to have lot of poultry and cattle to support you, you must wear Nose plug (Yaping hulo), Ear plug (Yaru Hukho) and rutting yarang (Large flat brass ring)” God told and advice her.

As per direction of the God, Ami Niido Biinyi tattooed her face, put on nose plugs, wore Ruting Yarang, Lo!! And behold she became very young again and very beautiful to look at. Her beauty attracted Miido Jindo Tajing towards her and he proposed to marry Ami niido Biinyi. She accepted the marriage proposal of Jindo Tazing and they married and lived happily ever. Their marriage results in birth of Khalos. They also had lot of poultry and cattle. The Birds and animals in the jungle were their poultry and cattle.When Pinsang Gyut, one among the Khalos, was born he saw some design on the pine Tree. He wanted these design to be with him and copied it from Pine Tree. Thus Apatani/ Tanii copied Tattoing from Pinsang Gyut and the tattooing became part of Tanii culture. However, the culture of tattooing themselves among Apa Taniis have been given up completely since last twenty five years years back. Along with it culture of wearing ear, nose plug and Ruting Yarang has also disappeared.

From the above mythological story we find that tattooing was adopted by Ami Niido Biinyi in order to restore her youth, beauty and fertility. As a result of tattooing herself she regained her beauty, youth and become mother of all the khalos. Khalos are clans inhabiting various areas in the Earth. The Apatani being small in number compared to other communities surrounding them even to-day must have been very less in number in ancient time. Their strong urge to increase their population for self preservation must have made them copy the tattooing of Ami Niido Biinyi to be fertile fecund as her .In Order to support the increased population and their needs, one needs more livestock’s indeed. To achieves this goal wearing of big nose plugs and Ruting Yarang was encouraged amongst the ladies of Apatani. And it is logical, household economy in Apatani communication is managed by the ladies.

The designs of the tattoos have been copied by the Pinsang Gyute from Pine tree. Pine Tree are plenty in the Tanii Land – Ziro. Indeed, there are designs to be found in a pine Tree both externally as well as internally. Moreover, in Festivals related to fertility and prosperity like Murung, Subu and Myoko, Pine wood alone is used in ritual even to-day.

Thus, this mythological story throws light on some aspects of the Apatani culture and life. It also leads us to some aspect of Apatani/Tanii history and ambience surrounding it in ancient time. In short, the Apatani used tattoos, ear and nose plugs and Ruting Yarang to buttress their psychological needs to face the inhospitable environments surrounding them in early days. And indeed, it has done well in overcoming adverse environment and survives till date.

Note: This article is based on an interview the author had with Sri Takhe Piilo, a priest from Hangu (or Hong) on 11th May 1998. The inferences are that of author.

*********** ********** ***************************************************************************************************

       To conclude this post, @savetanii believes that tattooing and nose plugs have been practiced in past for the purpose of #BEAUTIFICATION,  #FERTILITY and mark of arrival of #PUBERTY.
Tattoos also played role of mark identity  one being #Apatani. It was  considered as beautification not as disfigurement as perceived. 

#TSD  #AYA #AWAZ  and other #NGOs based at Ziro needs to generate common tourist brochure about #TIIPEY_YAPIÑ (Facial arts practiced by older generation Apatani) for the visitors of #APATANI_PLATEAU.

   NOTE: PRACTICE OF FACIAL ARTS PRACTICED BY APATANI HAS BEEN COMPLETELY BANNED SINCE EARLY 1970S. Apatani people born after 1970s do not practices facial tattoos.

#apatani_belief_on_tattooing
#unique_nose_plugs
#olden_days_apatani
#myths_on_apatani_tattooing
#why_apatani_tattooed_their_face
#Apatani_tattoo
#Apatani_body_arts
#twpey_yapiñ
#Apatani_tattoo

‪#‎apatanibeliefontattooing‬
‪#‎uniquenoseplugs‬
‪#‎oldendaysapatani‬
‪#‎mythsonapatanitattooing‬
‪#‎whyapatanitattooed‬

Endangered Apatani language

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:31:00 +0000

When Ane becomes mama and Aba is papa:

By. Nani Kojin

The situation of Apatani Language and its sustenance reached to such extent that movement short of an initiative is needed for its preservation by means of speaking and literary activities. The main target group of this movement is the new generation Apatanees so that our Apatani language flourishes in the future.

The steady declines in the use of our mother-tongue Apatani by the Apatanees have been observed since the last few years. As of now, it is seen that more than 80% of our young generation, irrespective of whether they live in urban or rural areas, are unable or hardly able to communicate in their own mother tongue. I have visited various villages in the home land of Apatani, Ziro, and other places where the Apatanees dwell. It has come upon me that my own mother-tongue, the Apatani language, is in a dying stage; that it is now becoming an endangered language.

The most regrettable part of it is that many parents, knowingly or unknowingly, are imparting distorted use of the language to their unsuspecting children. For example, ‘Ane’ means mother, ‘Aba’ means father, ‘Ayo’ means grand mother and ‘Ato’ means grand father in Apatani language. Instead of these, many parents now-a-days teach their children that ‘Mummy/Mama’ means mother, ‘Ane’ means grand mother, ‘Papa/daddy’ means father and ‘Aba’ means grand father! As a result, the very loving and affectionate words ‘Ato’ and ‘Ayo’ go unused or missing from the vocabulary of most of the young generation.

Indeed, the plight of our mother tongue pains me and hounds my mind all the time so much that I feel compelled to do something for its preservation for the sake of our future generations. The decline of our mother tongue started at a fast pace and within the last one or two generations. Interestingly, it had happened within half a century after education started in the Apatani valley in the early 1950s. I belong to the first generation of educated people from the valley. If this trend goes unchecked, the grand children or the great grandchildren of my generation will neither be able to communicate in Apatani language nor understand it as our children can not speak the language. In other words, during our life time our grand and great grand children will surely blame us for not teaching them our mother tongue, if not they laugh at us when we speak with them in Apatani language. The saying goes: better late than never!

Therefore, I have made a humble beginning towards this by discussing the matter with a number of families that have small children. In the opinion of the participants of these discussions the factors mainly responsible for the non-use of the language by the present generation children are:

1. Employing non-Apatani ‘ayas’ to look after children.

2. Having non-Apatani neighbors and friends around the children.

3. Having children from tender age live in hostels where Apatani is not spoken.

4. Families residing in non-Apatani settlement areas etc.

My observation and experience tell me that although the above four factors may have contributed to the present situation, they are not the main causes for it. The main reason for children not using Apatani language for conversations lies with parents, particularly with mothers who normally spend the maximum time with children for one reason or the other.

No environment or force can stop children from speaking in their mother-tongue if parents speak with them regularly in mother tongue from birth to at least till them reach class-V in school or are 10 years old irrespective of their response. Parents tend to switch over from mother tongue to the language of the children’s choice when they fail to get a satisfying response for their queries in mother tongue. Such acts of giving up the mother tongue and following the language of children’s choice for the sake of eliciting a satisfying response from them greatly contribute to discouraging children from communicating in their mother tongue.

My reasons for disagreeing with above four reasons are:

1. There are children who can speak good Apatani language in spite of them having lived in boarding schools where no one spoke Apatani right from Nursery classes/ from the age of 3 or 4. It was possible because their parents, especially mothers, spoke with them regularly in Apatani when they came home on vacations.

2. There are Apatani families residing in other states where their children are born and brought up. These children, however, are able to speak good Apatani language as the language is constantly used at home among the family.

3. There are many non-Apatani people, including children, who have learned to speak the Apatani language well. But many Apatani children do not speak the language because they are fond of speaking in other languages. They overlook the language without any valid reason, if not then willfully neglect it. Perhaps, communicating in any language other than one’s mother tongue is considered a ‘fashion’ by the children. I am not against any particular language. But it has become a necessity to stand up for our mother tongue. You and I can not be passive onlookers when our mother-tongue is dying in front of our own eyes, can we? We all know that learning many languages gives a person more advantages in this modern world, particularly our big brothers languages. So, one may learn as many languages as possible. But it should not be at the cost of our own mother- tongue.

Suggestions:

1. Parents should talk in Apatani language to their children right from infancy to at least till they can speak the language properly.

2. Try to speak in Apatani to Apatani speakers unless it is necessary to speak in another language.

3. We should not mind if non-Apatani people speak our language.

4. Apatani language has been introduced as third language at least in Government schools in Ziro valley. If possible, private schools may also introduce Apatani as third language. Management of all the schools and educational institutions, both government and private, may encourage popularization of the language by showing keen interest in it.

5. Organize activities in Apatani such as essay writing, debate and short story witting competition etc. using Roman script as our language does not have its own script. These activities should not be left only to the educational institutions alone. NGOs and other such voluntary organizations also should take up such activities.

6. Every Apatani family should take a pledge that they would enable their children to know and speak the Apatani language. By doing so the parents will make their children feel proud of being an Apatani. Knowing one’s own mother tongue is essential as well as it is beautiful.

Since it is an initiative as trendsetter, we welcome right from an individual to organization to join with the mission or initiate different method which one feel better. As it has no time frame, movement has to go on and on generation to come.

Preservation of the mother tongue has become a necessity not only for the Apatani people but also for the people of all the other community/tribes of our state. So, I wish, there would be more an individual or organization coming up in other parts of the state to initiate the job.

Lastly, I do sincerely appeal to all our brothers and sisters to join hands with us so that together we can make a humble effort to preserve our endangered mother tongue before it is too late so that our future generations may not blame us.

It may be mentioned here that with the death of last member of Boro and Boa, two Greater Andamanese tribes, their culture, languages, history and wisdom also vanished. Apatani language may face the same fate soon.

Further, experts say that as many as 196 languages in India are on the threshold of extinction today. According to a UNESCO source, the world loses one language in every 14 days. This means, in less than 100 years the human civilization will be bereft of more than half of its 7,000 languages!

“Preserve your language to preserve your culture”

and

“Preserve your culture to preserve your identity”

(The author is chairman of Nani Sala Foundation)

Dinko Ranyi

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 09 May 2019 07:18:00 +0000

Qtn ; What is the name of this decorative ornament (encircled green) used by Apatani Nyibu ( i.e.Shaman)?
Ans: Dinko-Ranyi

Art by #Koj_Michelle

Acknowledgement

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 09 May 2019 07:11:00 +0000

'Many thanks to let us save Tanii
https://savetanii.blogspot.com/
for the resources used in this post. You can also learn to speak Tanii and find more about their culture at learn tanii.'
-Fractalenlightenment.com

https://fractalenlightenment.com/…/the-intriguing-apatani-c…

Bear slayer # SWTING TADU#

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 09 May 2019 05:49:00 +0000

SWTING TADU
****************

This photo is of mighty bear slayer Late#Ligang_Tadu who
was later nicknamed "#Swting_Tadu" (Swting=bear in Apatani). This brave man was attacked by a giant bear in jungle leading to disfigurement of his face. He fought back using only a knife he possessed and slayed that giant bear inspite of his face was almost torn apart.

This story of "Bear Slayer" was shared by Tage Grayu in WhatsApp group. Such bravery stories from past should be shared for our youngsters.....Apatani had a plenty of brave men and women in past.
#Brave_Apatani_man
#Bear_Slayer
#Apatani_man

Neha Apu

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 10:57:00 +0000

::::::::::::NEHA APU:::::::::::
Primula Denticulata (Drumstick Primerose)
Neha Apu grows in the wilderness of Apatani plateau. It blooms on the arrival of spring and continues till early summer.

LALING YALU: Explorer of APATANI Plateau

noreply@blogger.com (savetanii) — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 04:59:00 +0000

Betty von Fürer-Haimendorf with a Nyishi man in an Apatani village. They appear to be talking, perhaps with a few words of Assamese. (Published in 1978)

Betty von Fürer-Haimendorf was wife of renowned Austrian Ethnologist and Anthropologist Christopher von Fürer-Haimendorf who did extensive fieldwork in Northeastern region of India.

* This item is protected by copyright. Please use in accord with Creative Commons license: Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC).
Source: Golden Jubilee Nyokum Yulo 2017

Apatanis and Betty von Fürer-Haimendorf

Betty von Fürer-Haimendorf is sitting on a porch railing, with a stack of freshly-cut firewood behind her. She is the centre of attention for a crowd of Apatani men, women and children, some of whom are standing on the notched board that served as steps to the porch.
Courtesy: Ziro Valley