ANTHILL: Weaving a collective pride

The technological world is spinning so fast that the Digital Divide is exponentially widening, putting the indigenous population in a disadvantage. While nouveau innovations create lasting progress and development, traditional culture is increasingly diss

As we observe the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, we also uphold the cultural transmission or continuity of dying traditions, such as weaving. Thankfully, organizations and social enterprises have delved into the problem and pledged for the preservation of indigenous culture.

ANTHILL ( Alternative Nest and Trading/ Training Hub for Indigenous/ Ingenious Little Livelihood seekers) Fabric Gallery was founded by Annie and Anya Lim, a mother- daughter tandem who, in their travels, saw the need to reclaim the value of Filipino weaves and the skill to do it. “Queen Ant” Annie, the company’s co-founder and CFO, is a household name in the fabric and fashion industry in Cebu City, while “Princess Ant” Anya has almost a decade of experience in the development sector, including volunteer service for UNICEF Philippines and the Teresian Missionaries.

With a tapestry of colors and contemporary designs, the company creates everyday apparel and nonapparel items using traditional indigenous handloomed weaves mostly from upcycled threads and scraps. As weaves are now deemed either too expensive or considered a “costume” rather than traditional wear, ANTHILL uses various fabric applications such as block printing, screen printing, embroidery, cutouts and tassels to attract even younger generations. Among the best sellers are the Tagpi Skirt, Panyo Skirt, Kapa and Infi nity Scarves, which can be viewed in the company’s Instagram account.

Among ANTHILL’s community stakeholders are Mang Abel Ti Abra, a partner rural village in Abra, Cordillera comprised of 33 weavers who handloom fabrics out of scrap thread; the Handcrafters of Mary Enterprise ( HOME) Plush Toys, an urban community in Tisa, Cebu City composed of 15 mothers who sew rag dolls using old clothes and scraps; and the Daraghuyan community of the Bukidnon- Higaonon Tribe, who have been producing natural dyes, seeds and nuts for fashion accessories, and handloomed fabric from abaca fiber, created with the help of a weaving center from an angel donor.

Some of the weavers of Mang Abel Ti Abra, ANTHILL’s direct partner community in Abra.

Colorful reversible infinity scarves with 16 ways to wear. It combines Kantarines weaves in traditional stripes from Abra with scrap fabrics.

Bae Inatlawan is a spiritual priestess and one of the tribal leaders of the Daraghuyan Bukidnon tribe. She is one of the only two remaining elders who weave.