The ANT - Action Northeast Trust

A Fair Trade Organization

"Do you know that an ant can carry up to 50 times its weight?  The ants are also well known for their hard work, ceaseless activity, resourcefulness and their ability to work together. Besides, they are known never to give up.  Well!  That should explain why we are inspired by the ants. Hence we commit ourselves to work hard like ants and work together with people. We also call ourselves the action northeast trust. "

Set up in October 2000, the ANT is a not for profit organization working towards rural development without prejudice to caste, creed, religion, gender or tribe.

The ANT works directly at the village level in about 50 villages on issues of health, women's empowerment, information, livelihoods and sensitizing people to press for their entitlements from the government. Alternate income opportunities through weaving, mushroom cultivation, banana plantation have been taken up by self-help groups called Jagruti (awakening) groups comprised of Bodo women. It has village barefoot doctors and village pharmacists ; women's groups that not only save and revolve loans amongst themselves, but also take up social issues; youth groups that move up in self confidence and self-employment to become examples for other youth. The weaving work of the ant has already resulted in the formation of a weavers organisation called Aagor Daagra Afad which is consistently selling garments, upholstery and desktop products.

The fabrics tell intricate stories hand-woven by women of the Bodo tribe on their traditional looms using the extra warp method. A Fusion of tradition with the modern; a creative energy released by the fusion of age old aagor (Bodo for designs) from the rich heritage of Bodos with the sensitive talents of young textile and fashion designers.

Your purchase helps to reduce the vulnerability of poor women weavers of the Bodo tribe in Assam, India.

Weaving systems that ensure fair wages for the craftswomen

Loin loom weaving (back strap loom weaving)

Naga women are very skillful weavers. Almost every home has its loin loom which is compact, simple and portable. Although the loin-loom is a simple device, the products woven on it vary in texture, color and design. It is a kind of tension loom made of bamboo and wood. The warp yarns are stretched between two parallel bamboos. One end is attached to a wooden stick and the other end is held firm by a leather strap that goes around the weaver's waist. The loom occupies little space and can be tied to a tree outside or in any part of the house. The fabrics have a ribbed effect and are thick as the warp is dense and covers the weft. Sometimes warp stripes are interrupted by small motifs in extra weft weaves. The back of the fabric shows no trace of the extra weft used. An important aspect of the weaving is that the designs are a result of a process of evolution. Every weaver uses this canvas to trace new designs and manifest her creativity keeping in mind the traditional norms.