Wancho tribes held a place of importance among other tribe that has settled down in Arunachal Pradesh in great numbers. They are centred in and around the Tirap district. Wancho had relation with Naga tribes of Nagaland state like most of the tribal communities of north-eastern states of India; Wancho tribes too are maintaining their ancient tradition and customs in tact. They are mainly `head hunters`. they share a close affinity to the Nocte and the Konyak Naga residing in Mon and Tirap district.
The Wancho lead a very simple life. For better administration, they have formed a council of aged headmen, known as Wangchu-Wangcha. Since long time, they used to govern the Wancho tribes. They converse in their local dialect that is of Tibeto-Burman family.
Tattooing is considered as another unique custom that they have adopted from their Wancho ancestors, thus helping these tribal people to reminisce about their golden past. As per their conventional norms, a male Wancho draws beautiful tattoos on his four legs. Tattoos are also painted on the whole of his face, obviously excluding certain areas around the lips and eyes. The women embellish themselves with exquisite jewelries like necklaces and bangles. Little bit of tatting also acts as jewels thereby making these beautiful Wancho women even more beautiful.
They had a peculiar tradition of keeping skulls of the dead man and also display them in few of the `murungs`. These are dormitories, popularly known as Murung, where the Wancho fathers impart training to the young Wancho boys so that these boys grow up as perfect man. Although there are no separate dormitories for girls, they sleep in one large, solitary house, under the supervision of an aged lady.
Just like all the tribes of
Arunachal Pradesh, Wancho tribes too follow the same style of constructing the houses made from wood and bamboo. They also used to thatch the roofs with parched leaves.
In spite of having close relation with Nagas in past years, Wancho were not deviated from their original practices of religion. Till date, they religiously follow the practice of Animism. They believe that all natural objects and the universe itself have souls. These Animist Wancho believers had immense faith on the existing powerful deities, popularly known as Rang and Baurang. Apart from them, there are quite a few Wancho people who have adept to the religious practices of those of Protestant Christians. Due to their residence in the distant hills, influence of
Hinduism is quite less.
A several festivals highlight cultural exuberance of Wancho tribes. Amongst these festivals, the main festival of the Wancho is Ojiyele, usually held in the months of March to April. It continues for a period of six to twelve days. The prayer, songs and dances are integrated to this festival. Even the villagers` exchange bamboo tubes filled up with rice beer thus marking the salutation and grace. As a mark of honor and respect, pork skin is then given to the village chief. This festival carries on for several days following more rituals. These include sowing of Jhum paddy, pigs and buffaloes. Also the customs of animal sacrifices, especially the mithuns, are being practiced by the Wancho tribe. Communal feasts too are set up in each and every morungs (dormitories).
Dancing and singing too are part and parcel of Wancho festivals. Young boys and girls nicely dressed up in ceremonial costumes and go on singing and dancing especially during this Ojiyele festival. A long ceremonial pole, popularly known as "Jangban", has been built during Ojiyele where all the Wancho tribes dance in great enthusiasm.
