Apatani Nyibu (shaman)

***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?

 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 

   Photo credit : Hassang Frame's

   
   

   

   Photo credit : Hassang Frame's

   
   

   
   

6. 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.

7. 

   Photo credit : Tage Kanno

8. 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)

 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

 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

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

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

Apatani Valley- Ziro

 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