Apatani women wear nose plugs to give themselves this unique look, but why?

Apatani women wear nose plugs to give themselves this unique look, but why?

This tribe are found mostly within the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Years ago, when the tribe was at war with other tribes, women were often taken as spoils of war. To try to prevent this, the women would insert nose plugs into their noses to make themselves appear less "attractive". They also would get face tattoos too, and were usually given when the women got their first periods.

The tribe are known for their colourful culture and is recognised by UNESCO for its high-efficiency farming without the use of machinery or animals. They are also known for their bamboo crafts and colourful clothing. Around 60,000 Apatani people are alive today.

Apatani people recite their history through oral traditions and very few written records survive today. They follow the Danyi-Piilo faith, praying to the Sun ( Ayo Danyii) and the Moon (Atoh Piilo), but some have converted to Christianity.

The Indian government banned the nose plug practice in the 1970s, so the women above are the last generations to have this unique look.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO.