ABOUT MALDIVES

Facts - The Maldives - History - Geography - People - Island life - Language - Weather - National Symbols
Festivals and ceremonies - Handicrafts - Dhonis - Fishing - Male' the Capital - Atoll Introduction

Traditional Maldivian handicraft includes mat weaving, embroidery for traditional dresses, coir making and lacquer work. Each of these skills is usually confined to certain atolls or islands:

The island of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is renowned for its fine hand-woven mats made of dried hau (rushes) used for prayer mats and decoration.

The finest lacquer work is said to be found on Thulaadhoo, in Baa Atoll. Wooden pots, boxes and vases of all shapes and sizes display beautiful abstract patterns in red, black and yellow.

Ribudhoo in Dhaalu Atoll famous for its goldsmiths while Hulhudeli in the same Atoll is well known for its silversmiths.

The arrival of Tourism has increased the collection and sale of “sea jewelry”, such as coral, mother-of-pearl, black coral, seashell and turtle-shell.

Due to their endangered status and environmental considerations, the catching of sea turtles and the mining of black corals have been prohibited and their products have been made illegal for export.

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