The Apatani (or Tanu, as they describe themselves) are a well-known tribal community in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Their society is made up of several clans: Dani, Dora, Dumper, Dusu, Haj, Hidi, Kago, Kimte, Miri, Nada, Nemko, Nemp, Nendin, Pemu, Plangang, Puna, Pura, Taku, Taro and Taru. These clans are divided up into two endogamous units. Traditionally, the clans of the Mora or Guchi division perform services for the clans of the Mith or Guth division.
Europeans first contacted the group in 1897. After subsequent contacts and construction of an outpost by the Assam Rifles in 1948, the Apatanis attacked. Two of their villages were burnt in retaliation.
They live in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Apatani are known for their use of large nose plugs by the women, although that practice is in decline, especially among the youth. The women were considered to be the most beautiful ones among all the Arunachal tribes. Men and women alike tattoo their faces, although this too is falling out of popularity. They are beginning to follow more modern traditions now, yet much remains intact of their customs.
They live in bamboo houses on stilts. The women cultivate vegetables and do many household chores as well as spinning cotton and weaving. Men also have a part in overseeing the agricultural aspect of the village and are seen as heads of their families. Their wet rice fields are irrigated using an effective system of canals.
A sacred pole and a sacred platform are constructed every four years and used for festivals and community events. They celebrate the festival of Myoko in March and the festival of Murung in January. Another very important festival, called Dree, is celebrated in many towns in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Apatani follow the Donyi-Polo or Danyi-Piilo faith. They venerate the sun and the moon. They also believe in evil spirits who are to be appeased with animal sacrifices accompanied by chants lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Scripture Prayers for the Tanu in India.
Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatani_people
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Tanu |
People Name in Country | Tanu |
Alternate Names | Apatani; टानू |
Population this Country | 52,000 |
Population all Countries | 52,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 2 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 5 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 16225 |
ROP3 Code | 111338 |
Country | India | |||
Region | Asia, South | |||
Continent | Asia | |||
10/40 Window | Yes | |||
National Bible Society | Website | |||
Persecution Rank | 11 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | |||
Total States on file | 3 | |||
Largest States |
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Districts | Interactive map, listing and data download | |||
Specialized Website | South Asia Peoples |
Country | India |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 11 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Total States | 3 |
Arunachal Pradesh 52,000 | |
Assam 100 | |
Mizoram 60 | |
Website | South Asia Peoples |
Primary Religion: | Unknown |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent * |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.17 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical Unknown) |
21.66 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
6.01 %
|
Islam |
0.25 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.02 %
|
Unknown |
71.88 %
|
* From latest India census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |
Primary Language | Apatani (44,000 speakers) | |||
Language Code | apt Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||
Total Languages | 3 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Apatani (44,000 speakers) |
Language Code | apt Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 3 |
Secondary Languages | |
Nyishi 90 | |
Adi 40 | |
People Groups | Speaking Apatani |
Primary Language: Apatani
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (2004-2014) |
Bible-Complete | No |
Bible-NT Text | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | Gospel website in this language | General / Other |
Text / Printed Matter | Bible: Apatani | YouVersion Bibles |
Text / Printed Matter | Literacy primer for Apatani | Literacy & Evangelism International |
Photo Source | Arif Siddiqui - Wikimedia Creative Commons |
Map Source | People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project. |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |