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An island that blends traditional features with modern flavors, Maldives contains an infinite beauty that is colored by a native culture. An inherent aspect of the culture of Maldives is Maldives handicrafts. Handicrafts in Maldives form a prominent reflector of the cultural characteristics of the island. Moreover, Maldives handicrafts constitute a principal source of foreign income for the country.
Incorporating traditional values and skills of the people of the island, handicrafts of Maldives combine skilled craftsmanship with artistic techniques. The traditional Maldives handicrafts consist of lacquer work, embroidery for traditional dresses, coir making and mat weaving. Each of the Maldivian handicrafts is particular to certain islands only.
Gadhdhoo Island in the atoll of Gaafu Dhaalu is well known for fine and intricate mats that are hand woven. These hand woven mats consist of dried hau or rushes and are used by people as prayer mats and also for decoration. The best form of lacquer work can be found in the island of Thulaadhoo in Baa atoll. The island is popular for its wooden pots, vases and boxes of different sizes and shapes that exhibit delightful abstract and artistic patterns in various colors like yellow, red and black. Another island in Maldives, Ribudhoo is renowned for its goldsmiths. Hulhudeli has a number of silversmiths.
With a rapid rise of tourism in Maldives the island has increased the production of 'sea jewelry' which is in demand. Sea jewelry includes mother-of-pearl, seashell, coral, turtle shell and black coral. Taking into account the endangered condition and environmental hazards the exploitation of sea turtles and black corals has become forbidden in Maldives. The products made out of these have also been prevented from being exported. Maldives handicrafts, therefore, are important from cultural as well as economic perspective.
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