Enhiye Raincoat

Artwork – Enhiye Raincoat
Region – Nagaland

The Enhiye is a traditional, handwoven raincoat crafted by the Chakhesang Naga tribe of Nagaland. Made from locally sourced natural materials such as dried elephant grass or palm leaves, it is an ingenious example of eco-friendly craftsmanship developed to withstand the region’s heavy monsoon rains. The process of making an Enhiye involves drying the leaves for several days, soaking them again to increase flexibility, and then braiding and weaving them by hand on a wooden frame. The outer surface features free-flowing grass strips that help water slide off easily.

Traditionally, men wore the Enhiye as cloaks while women adapted them as protective skirts when working in fields. Beyond its functional use, this craft embodies the Naga people’s sustainable lifestyle, deep environmental awareness, and intergenerational knowledge of living harmoniously with nature, showcasing both artistry and practicality rooted in centuries-old tribal tradition.