While many crafts have become obsolete, others have found new life with the advent of tourism. The production of ornaments from tortoise shells and black coral once valued by visitors has now ceased completely because of the growing careness among the public on the need to preserve the environment.
Wooden Lacquer Ware
Perhaps the most distinctive of the Maldivian handicrafts, these are almost
exlclusively produced in Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. Liye Laajehun as it is called
in Dhivehi involves the process of shaping and hollowing out pieces of wood
to form beautifully crafted boxes, containers and ornamental objects. Made from
the local funa, (Alexandrian laurel) which grows abundantly throughout the country,
they come in various shapes and sizes; small pillboxes, vases of various sizes
to round and oval plates with lids. These elegant pieces are lacquered in strands
of red, black and yellow resin and delicately carved with flowing flowery patterns.
Mats
Beautiful red mats are woven throughout the country, the most famous of which
are those that are woven by the women of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Thundu
Kunaa as they are known in Dhivehi ranges in size from that of a place mat to
a full size single mattress. The women of Gadhdhoo collect the reeds called
haa from the nearby island of Fioari. They are dried in the sun and stained
with natural dyes, the colour varying from fawn to black. These mats with their
intricate abstract designs are woven on a handloom according to the imagination
and skill of the weaver.
Boat Building
Although the tools used in the building of dhonis have changed, little has changed
of its basic design. As in the past, the boats are still being built without
a documented plan. The design and symmetry of the boat emerges as the boat is
being built.
Imported hardwoods are used in the place of coconut wood, which was used in
place of coconut wood, which was used in the past to make the hull. Copper rivets
are used to hold the planks together instead of coir, which was used for the
purpose even half a century ago. The square sail made of coconut fronds gave
way to a triangular lateen sail. Even though this is still considered essential
and is carried on board, it is used only during emergencies or to ease the strain
of the engines. Almost all Dhonis are driven by diesel power.
Dhonis are mainly used for fishing and provide the livehood for a large proportion
of the population. Others are modified to be used for transportation of passengers.
A dhoni may be as small as 10ft. (3 m) used mostly to travel across short distances
or to traverse the shallow waters of the lagoon. Islanders often use these ferry
across to nearby islands for firewood. The average fishing dhoni used to be around
10 metres (33 feet), however the new generation fishing vessels can be twice the
size or even larger. The basic design of dhonis has proven to be seaworthy as
it has been tested and tuned for centuries. Even the luxury cruise vessels that
are built in the country uses the same basic hull design and can be as long as
30 meters (100 feet) or more.
