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.
