These adorable wooden nail brushes are hand carved from wood local to Calcutta and the bristles are natural pig bristles

These adorable wooden nail brushes are hand carved from wood local to Calcutta and the bristles are natural pig bristles. Just over two hours from the teeming slums of central Calcutta lies a special village - The Village of Brushes.

First the brushes are sorted into different colours; this work is done by small groups of women. Offcuts of wood from the carefully managed forestry are then hand carved into charming animal shapes; this work is done by men working individually so each piece is special. Holes are then drilled into the other side of the brushes to receive the bristles.

Until recently this process was done entirely using a hand drill, but with the help of funds from a fair trade organisation, two punching machines have been purchased. These are hand operated. The bristles are then glued into place by groups of women and finally the brushes are hand polished and packed up ready for despatch.

This cottage industry, supported by a fair trade group, in a rural community provides important income generation for otherwise marginalised people.
Children are able to attend the government school and, most importantly, are not forced to seek employment on the streets of Calcutta.

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