Apatani Women's Facial Marks Documented in Ziro Valley

A photographic initiative captures the Apatani women from Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, an indigenous group recognized for their unique facial adornments: Tippei, which are dark tattoo lines extending from the forehead to the chin, and Yaping Hullo, sizable bamboo plugs placed in both nostrils. These images reveal the historical significance of these markings, which were originally intended to deter outsiders by making women seem less attractive. Currently, these markings serve as enduring reminders of a declining tradition, preserved solely by the oldest members of the community.