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The exquisite objets‘d art of Maldives speak volumes for the skills and craftsmanship of its artisans, who are adept at creating priceless artefacts out of locally available resources. Although many indigenous arts have now become obsolete, a few have had a new lease of life with the advent of tourism. |
The intricate stone carving of Hukuru Miskiiy in Male reflect the versatility of local sculptors. Maldives also produces some of the best calligraphy in the world. The art of calligraphy is rooted in Islam and many mosques in the country have beautifully written verses from the Holy Quran. Some of the local handiworks highly sought after by visitors include,
Wooden lacquer ware
Highly prized by tourists, the Maldivian wooden lacquer ware/liye laajehun is produced almost exclusively in Thulhaadhoo on Baa Atoll. Bits of wood are moulded and hollowed out into beautiful boxes, containers and ornamental objects which are eventually lacquered in red, black and yellow resin and delicately carved with lovely flowery patterns.
Mats
The Maldives are noted for strikingly colourful mats which are woven across the country. The most well-known of these are made by the women of Gadhdhoo on Gaafu Atoll. They are usually made of reeds (haa) which are dried and stained with natural dyes, ranging from fawn to black and finally woven on a handloom. The sizes of these mats, which are mostly red in colour, range from a place mat to a full-fledged single mattress.
Boat Building
Boat/dhoni building is another ancient art of the Maldives. Even today, small boats are constructed without documented plan; the design and symmetry of the boat alter as it acquires shape. Earlier, dhonis were made of coconut wood, but now it has been replaced by imported hardwoods. Now Maldivian boats are mostly diesel-driven.
A dhoni is used to traverse shallow waters of the lagoon; however the average fishing boat is bigger, measuring over 10 metres.
