ZIRO, OCT 4:
A joint official delegation led by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, accompanied by BJP District General Secretary Tamo Obing and District Agriculture Officer (DAO) Leegang Ania, visited Bamin Michi village to inspect the historic Piichang Putu archaeological site and the sacred Pamu Yalang Viewpoint.
The delegation was received and guided by Pamu Yalang Welfare Committee Chairman Bamin Baro and Secretary Bamin Tajang.
The visit focused on reviewing preservation efforts at the sites, examining historical findings and exploring eco-tourism infrastructure while safeguarding the valley’s cultural heritage.
Located at Nami Tanyang in Bamin Michi, around 3 km north of Hapoli at an altitude of 1,546–1,562 metres, Piichang Putu is regarded as an ancient pottery production centre traditionally operated by Apatani women artisans.
Explorations and excavations conducted by the Directorate of Research in collaboration with the Pamu Yalang Welfare Society have unearthed handmade cord-marked potsherds, terracotta coins, iron implements including dinko and dao, hematite and glass beads, charcoal fragments and structural timber posts.
Scientific AMS radiocarbon dating conducted by Beta Analytic Inc., Miami, has identified three occupational phases at the site: the 5th–7th centuries AD, the 16th century AD, and the 18th century to the mid-20th century AD. Traditional pottery production reportedly continued at the site until around 1950.
The delegation also visited the sacred Pamu Yalang Viewpoint, locally known as “Hawk’s Rock”, situated on the hills overlooking Bamin Michi. Rooted in Apatani oral traditions and cultural identity, the viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Ziro Valley and has potential for community-led eco-tourism and heritage conservation.
Perme commended the Pamu Yalang Welfare Committee for its efforts to preserve the area’s heritage. She stressed the importance of combining scientific archaeological research with oral history in documenting and protecting Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural legacy, while ensuring active community participation in sustainable eco-tourism development. (DIPR)
