This paper deals with the notion of identity in an indigenous setting of the Taniis in Arunachal Pradesh. The role of culture assumes greater significance in constructing the identity and position of Taniis over a period of time. This article is based on ethnographic methods of data collection, such as in-depth personal interviews and participant observation. The focus is primarily on the cultural practice of tattooing among the Taniis of Arunachal Pradesh, India, which was put an end to in the 1970s. By analyzing this practice, we aim to narrate the story of changing identity markers among the members of the community. It was found that change in one cultural identity can impact aspects of the indigenous life. Such loss of identity markers portrays the diplomacy and dialogues that might re-enforce existing urges to homogeneity and monism.

本文讨论阿鲁纳恰尔邦塔尼斯人土著环境中的身份概念。在一段时间内，文化对于构建塔尼斯的身份和地位具有更重要的意义。本文基于人种学的数据收集方法，例如深入的个人访谈和参与观察。重点主要是印度阿鲁纳恰尔邦塔尼人的纹身文化习俗，该文化习俗于 20 世纪 70 年代被终止。通过分析这种实践，我们旨在讲述社区成员中身份标记不断变化的故事。研究发现，一种文化身份的变化会影响土著生活的各个方面。这种身份标记的丧失所描绘的外交和对话可能会强化现有的同质性和一元论冲动。