ABSTRACT
THE Apa Tani valley with its highly developed agricultural economy and the general atmosphere of prosperity and security appeared to early observers as an island of peace in a turbulent world torn by tribal feuds and savage raids. Compared to the fortunes of neighbouring Dafla villages, most of which were the scene of fighting and arson more than once in the memory of the present generation, Apa Tani villages offered their inhabitants a high degree of personal security, provided, of course, they did not expose themselves to the attacks of Dafla raiders by venturing too far into the forest. But inside their house and during work on their fields Apa Tanis were on the whole safe from raids by outside foes. 1
