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06-07-2023 | Original Article

Tattooing, Cultural Change, and the Indigenous Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh

Authors: Tania Sen, Sambit Mallick, Ngamjahao Kipgen

Published in: Society | Issue 5/2023

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Abstract

This paper deals with the notion of identity in an indigenous setting of the Taniis in Arunachal Pradesh. The role of culture assumes greater significance in constructing the identity and position of Taniis over a period of time. This article is based on ethnographic methods of data collection, such as in-depth personal interviews and participant observation. The focus is primarily on the cultural practice of tattooing among the Taniis of Arunachal Pradesh, India, which was put an end to in the 1970s. By analyzing this practice, we aim to narrate the story of changing identity markers among the members of the community. It was found that change in one cultural identity can impact aspects of the indigenous life. Such loss of identity markers portrays the diplomacy and dialogues that might re-enforce existing urges to homogeneity and monism.

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The AYA was formed in 1971 by the young members of the community. It is a non-government, non-profit organization. But an influential youth association which brought many changes in the valley, including the ban of facial tattoos.

The valley is located in the Lower Subansiri district of the Indian state Arunachal Pradesh. The valley is further subdivided into seven smaller villages. These villages are based on clan, meaning people belonging to the same clan reside in the same village.

The North-East Frontier Tract (NEFT) was formed under the British rule in 1914. It remained so even after independence until 1951, when NEFT along with Balipara Frontier Tract, Tirap Frontier Tract, Abor Hills district, Mishmi Hills district, and some Naga tribal areas were renamed as North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). On 20 January 1972, NEFA became the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh (http://www.arunachalpradesh.nic.in).

Respondents’ names have been modified to maintain anonymity.

Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang (DYK) popularized the Donyi-Poloism reform movement under the leadership of Talom Rukbo (Chaudhuri, 2013).

The Ziro Music Festival is an annual festival held in September each year. It was started in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty. It is an outdoor event, which includes camping and food within the woods of the Valley. People from all across the globe come to participate and attend this festival.

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Title: Tattooing, Cultural Change, and the Indigenous Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Tania Sen
Sambit Mallick
Ngamjahao Kipgen
Publication date: 06-07-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Society / Issue 5/2023
Print ISSN: 0147-2011
Electronic ISSN: 1936-4725
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12115-023-00869-2

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