Art and Craftsmanship in the Maldives

Lacquerwork (Liye Laajehun)

Lacquerwork, known as liye laajehun in Dhivehi, is perhaps the most celebrated of all Maldivian crafts. This intricate art form involves turning wooden objects on a lathe and applying multiple layers of coloured lacquer to create vibrant, glossy finishes with geometric and floral patterns. The tradition is believed to have originated centuries ago, possibly influenced by lacquerwork traditions from East Asia or the Indian subcontinent, though the Maldivian style has developed its own distinctive character.

Traditional lacquerwork pieces include vases, boxes, containers, and ceremonial objects. The base wood, typically from the funa tree or other local species, is shaped on a hand-powered lathe. The craftsman then applies layers of resin, each in a different colour, building up a thick coating. The design is then carved through the layers, revealing the colours beneath in intricate patterns. The traditional colour palette features red, black, yellow, and green, though modern pieces sometimes incorporate a wider range of hues.

Historically, lacquerwork was produced for the sultanate court and as gifts for foreign dignitaries. Ornate lacquered containers were used to present betel nuts and other ceremonial offerings. Today, lacquerwork is primarily produced for the tourist market, but the finest pieces remain genuine works of art that command considerable prices. The island of Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll is the most renowned centre for lacquerwork, and craftsmen there continue to produce pieces using traditional techniques.

Mat Weaving (Thundu Kunaa)

The woven mats known as thundu kunaa are among the finest examples of Maldivian textile craft. These mats, produced primarily on the island of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, are woven from locally harvested reeds using techniques that have been passed down through generations of women. The mats are prized for their tightness of weave, durability, and the beauty of their geometric patterns.

The process of making a thundu kunaa is time-consuming and labour-intensive. The reeds must first be harvested, dried, and dyed using natural colours. The weaving is done on a simple frame, with the weaver working from memory to create complex patterns without any written template. A single large mat can take weeks to complete, and the finest examples display a level of precision and artistry that is truly remarkable.

Thundu kunaa mats served both practical and ceremonial purposes. They were used as floor coverings in homes and mosques, as prayer mats, and as sleeping mats. Particularly fine mats were presented as gifts to visiting dignitaries and were part of the dowry in traditional weddings. The craft of mat weaving has declined in recent years as cheaper factory-made alternatives have become available, but efforts are underway to preserve this art through cultural programmes and by connecting weavers with the tourist market.

Coral Stone Carving and Historic Mosques

The Maldives' most enduring artistic legacy may be found in the intricately carved coral stone of its historic mosques. During the sultanate period, skilled artisans transformed blocks of porite coral into astonishingly detailed architectural elements. The finest examples, such as those found in the Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque) in Male, built in 1658, feature arabesques, geometric patterns, and Quranic calligraphy of extraordinary refinement.

Coral stone was the primary building material in the Maldives for centuries, as it was the most readily available solid material in an environment with no natural rock. The process of preparing coral stone for carving involved cutting blocks from the reef, allowing them to dry and harden, and then working the surface with hand tools. The relatively soft nature of fresh coral made it amenable to detailed carving, while the hardened stone proved durable against the elements.

The Hukuru Miskiy, a UNESCO-listed site, is the finest showcase of Maldivian coral stone artistry. Its interior walls are covered with carved panels featuring intricate floral and geometric motifs, and the mihrab (prayer niche) is a masterwork of Islamic decorative art. The craftsmanship displayed in this and other historic mosques across the archipelago reveals the high level of artistic achievement attained by Maldivian artisans, despite the limited resources of their island environment.

Calligraphy and Woodcarving

Arabic calligraphy has been an important art form in the Maldives since the adoption of Islam in 1153 CE. Quranic verses and religious inscriptions adorn mosques, tombstones, and ceremonial objects throughout the islands. Maldivian calligraphers developed their own style, influenced by but distinct from the major calligraphic traditions of the wider Islamic world. Tombstones in old cemeteries across the archipelago display beautifully carved Arabic script, with the shape and decoration of the headstone indicating the gender and social status of the deceased.

Woodcarving is closely related to both coral stone carving and boat-building. The same artisans who carved the delicate patterns on mosque walls often applied their skills to wooden doors, window screens, and furniture. Traditional Maldivian doorways, with their carved surrounds and ornamental panels, are among the most distinctive architectural features of older island homes. The motifs used in woodcarving, including intertwining vines, rosettes, and geometric borders, echo those found in coral stone work, suggesting a shared artistic vocabulary.

The craft of jewellery making also has deep roots in the Maldives. Goldsmiths and silversmiths produced ornamental pieces for the sultanate court and for personal adornment, including elaborate necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The styles reflect influences from across the Indian Ocean trading world, blending South Asian, Arabian, and Southeast Asian elements into a distinctive Maldivian aesthetic. Traditional jewellery is still worn on special occasions, particularly during festival celebrations and weddings.

The Modern Maldivian Art Scene

Contemporary Maldivian art is a growing but still emerging field. A new generation of artists is exploring themes of identity, environment, and the tension between tradition and modernity through painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media. The environmental challenges facing the Maldives, particularly climate change and rising sea levels, have become powerful subjects for artistic expression, giving Maldivian artists a platform that resonates globally.

Art exhibitions in Male have become more frequent, and a small but vibrant gallery scene has developed. Social media has given Maldivian artists access to international audiences, and several have gained recognition beyond the country's borders. The National Art Gallery in Male showcases both traditional and contemporary work, providing a space where the old and new can be seen in dialogue.

Despite this progress, the arts face challenges in the Maldives. A small population, limited institutional support, and the absence of a well-established art market mean that few artists can sustain themselves through their work alone. The tourism industry offers some opportunities, as resorts occasionally commission artwork or host residencies, but the relationship between art and tourism remains underdeveloped. Advocates for the arts argue that greater investment in cultural infrastructure would benefit both Maldivian identity and the tourism product.

Where to See and Buy Traditional Crafts

For visitors interested in Maldivian crafts, several options are available. The Male local market area and the shops along Chaandhanee Magu sell lacquerwork, woven mats, miniature dhonis, and other souvenirs, though quality varies widely. For higher-quality pieces, seek out specialist shops or visit the islands where the crafts are produced. Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll for lacquerwork and Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll for mat weaving offer the most authentic experiences.

Resort gift shops stock a selection of Maldivian crafts, usually at higher prices than can be found in Male or on local islands. Some resorts arrange excursions to nearby inhabited islands where guests can watch craftspeople at work and purchase directly from the makers. These visits offer a more meaningful cultural encounter than browsing a shop display.

The National Museum in Male holds an important collection of historical artefacts, including lacquerwork, carved coral stone panels, jewellery, and traditional costumes. A visit to the museum provides essential context for understanding the artistic traditions of the Maldives and the skill of the craftspeople who created these objects with the simplest of tools.