Maldives has been a top tourist destination mainly due to its beaches and its island resorts that offer visitors a retreat in paradise. The archipelago is home to beautiful, serene blue waters and powdery soft sand beaches. Being recognized as a tranquil place, ideal for a peaceful getaway, most tourists are not aware of the culture and heritage of this island nation which is known as the ‘last paradise on earth’ due to its scenic beauty and idyllic setting.
Maldives is the smallest predominantly Muslim country in the word and the archipelago was visited by traders and sailors for centuries due to its convenient geographical location. It is said that a prince named Komala from Sri Lanka entered the Maldives and became the first king. The ancient kings of Maldives promoted Buddhism and the first works of art and writing are from that period. However, at the end of the 12th century AD, the nation converted to Islam.
The artwork and history of the Maldives directly represents the cultural heritage of the people and the nation as a whole. While the Maldivian economy is based mainly on fisheries, the arts and crafts industry is also flourishing. The country is home to fine stone carvings which have strong connections to do with Islamic artwork. It is believed that traders from the Arab nations were the primary source of Islamic influence in the nation and this influence is reflected in all forms of Maldivian arts and crafts.
Different islands and atolls of the Maldives specialize in different aspects of the arts and crafts industries. For instance, the Baa Atoll is home to beautiful wood lacquer, called ‘Liye Laajehun’ in Dhivehi that specializes in hand crafted wooden boxes, containers and intricate ornamental accessories. There are elegant pill boxes, coloured beautifully using red, black and yellow resin from the trees and the designs on these boxes are meticulously carved and embossed. One of the more popular types of handicrafts found in the Maldives are their mats. The mats are produced by women mainly in Gadhdhoo in the Gaafu Daalu Island and are made of Haa reeds that are collected from the nearby island of Fioari.
The mats are dried in the sun and then dyed using natural pigments, with colours ranging from fawn to black. The intricate designs on the mats depend on the imagination and skill of the weaver.
Maldives is a versatile destination; with year round sunshine that welcomes all tourists. Maldives resorts and hotels are equipped with the best facilities and hospitality to cater to your needs. If you are looking for a villa in Maldives in a calm and quiet setting along with top of the range facilities, then look no further than Anantara Kivavah. This hotel will cater to your needs as well as being ideal if you are planning to explore the culture and heritage of this beautiful Asian archipelago.
