Quite a handful of Aka tribes dwell in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. They are mostly concentrated on the southeastern provinces of Arunachal`s Kameng district. As far as its name is concerned, the word Aka has an indigenous origin and it means `painted`, thus symbolizing their culture of applying paints on their face and that too vividly. This unique manner of painting has become a trademark of this Aka tribal community.

Physical features of the Aka Tribe:
The Akas have fair complexions, a well-built body, usually a flat nose striking cheekbones with black hair and brownish to pale blue eyes. Men grow scanty hair on the face as well as over the body. Their stature varies from medium to tall and the distinction of this tribe is in the long hair that is kept by the men and women of this community.

Lifestyle and Society of the Aka Tribe:
The Aka language of this Northeast Indian tribe, which originated from Tibeto-Burman family, is quite different from the languages broadly spoken in Arunchal Pradesh. Aka tribes practice jhum cultivation and they built a special kind of house that has a raised platform, almost 6 feet above the ground with two rooms separated with a partition wall. The house also provides shelter for various animals like pigs and goats. They consider millet and maize as their staple food and pulses, plant leaves, rice and potato are generally cultivated in lands. Their popular drinks namely Aarah, Mingri and Lao pani are made of fermented millet and maize. The floor and the wall of the house are made from bamboo while the roof and timber logs serve as the major pillars over which the whole house is raised. The roof is by and large `thatched`, widely supported by bamboo sheets. The four walls of the typical Aka house are generally raised high. The Aka people have a simple caste system and polygamy is practiced in their society. Their caste is divided in the commoner Kevatsum and aristocrat Kutsun. Even there is a system of cross cousin marriages in the Aka society. Their administration is carried out by the simple method of electing chief or the headman of the village.

Culture of Aka Tribe:
A close affinity with the Miji along with intermittent Tibetan and Vaishnava influences from the Sherdukpen group had been the reason behind shaping up the modern Aka culture. The culture of Aka tribe is enriched due to its treasures of folk art and crafts. The major art and crafts of Aka tribe include basket weaving, handiworks and wood sculpture. The most common Aka art is the beautiful drawings on wood that are mostly found in their house.

Aka artisans also have mastered the Chinese art of creating special Jana floral designs which can be often found on many `haversacks` used by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Local festivals also are feted in great enthusiasm, performed mainly under the guidance of a village `shaman`. Amongst them, Nechido festival is quite important usually held in November and continued for four days at a stretch.

Costumes of Aka Tribe:
The costumes of Aka tribe have an indigenous style and difference is found among the dresses of men and women. There is a custom of wearing Tibetan knobbed hat and Assamese silk among the aristocrats of this tribe. Apart from these the men also wear silky Assmaese toga. On the other hand, long garment of dark-red colour is preferred by the women of this community. One of the most important parts of the Aka costume is the cane cap enclosed with two bird-feathers.

Jewellery is an integral part of the Aka costumes, especially for the women of this community. Silver jewellery is in vogue especially amongst the women folk. One can find an Aka woman wearing quite a number of silver ornaments including bead necklaces. Melu is a flat shaped ornament worn over the chest; rombin are the ear bulbs, gichlu are the earrings and gejjul are the wristlets. Often women belong to rich and affluent class wear expensive ornaments. They wear a fillet of silver chain-work, popularly known lenchhi. Special jewellery called aescheri has been handed over to the people by their ancestors. The parents of bride mainly give it at the time of marriage. It is worn mostly by women. Sometimes men also wear this beautiful jewellery. Tattooing too is popular mainly amongst the women. Facial tattoos include an outline of a straight line running from below the fore head to the chin from where it again diverges into two directions. Tattos are not drawn on other parts of the human body. No other part of the body is tattooed.

Akas have the practice of keeping weapon for self-defense from the attacks of wild animals and also for hunting. The most significant weapon is the bow and arrow, popularly known as the Tkeri and Moo respectively. Another significant weapon is a type of rough harpoon, one end of which is pointed with sharp iron nails embedded on it.

Religion of the Aka Tribe:
The Aka are religious minded, chiefly following `Donyi-Polo religion`, who consider that their primitive ancestor was `Abo-Teni`. In the religious belief of the Aka people, the influence of Tibetans and the Buddhists are prevalent. Thus the religion of the Aka tribe is an amalgamation of the influence derived from Tibetan, Buddhist and Hindu concept of religion. The Aka people are the practitioners of magic and spell.

The independent Aka tribals are also known as Hrusso.