The Wanchos, a subgroup of the Nagas, live in the North-East of India, at the foot of the Himalayas, amidst hills covered by rainforests.

The population of approx. 51,000 is divided into 11 jans or village groups, each controlled by a village and a supreme chief; furthermore, there are groups of houses, called jongs, whose members feel closely bound like a family, even if there are no blood relations.

The Wanchos mainly dedicate themselves to farming – they cultivate millet, rice, corn, tubers – and handicrafts, especially wood sculptures and the creation of pearl ornaments.

As many native populations, the Wanchos build their homes with the resources found on their land, such as wood, bamboo cane and palm leaves. It takes one month to build a house, from the time material is collected from the forest to its preparation and use; this is, generally, done in November and December, after the harvest, when there is sufficient food to offer those who participate in the work.

The Wanchos are animists and believe in the existence of two all powerful gods, the Rang brothers (the benevolent creator) and Bau-rang, god of the earth and destroyer. Anyhow, they do not worship specific gods, but natural elements, like the sun (rahan), the moon (letnu), the earth (kawanu) and the universe (rahin). They often invoke the protection of their forefathers, whose spirit is deemed to be immortal. Every community has either a priest or medicine man who are deemed to have supernatural powers and thus perform religious ceremonies.

The Wancho community also counts a few Christians. Christian influence on the Wanchos became significant in the early '80s, and 1992 witnessed the foundation of the first Salesian mission in the Borduria village, which was followed by medical dispensaries, schools and colleges promoted by the missions. The missionaries' priority is to provide the Wanchos with healthcare services, educational programmes for youth and adults and agricultural training.

Over the years, Christian events have gradually replaced traditional rites on the calendar, though the feast of Ojiyele for the sowing of millet and funeral rites are still important.