The Maldives may be world-famous for its turquoise waters and overwater villas, but underneath this serene beauty lies a vivacious culture kept alive by the island’s traditional artisans. With an Ignite Travel Solution Maldives tour package, you don’t just familiarise yourself with the Maldivian beaches; you also get to discover the island nation’s artistic soul. Lacquer work, mat weaving, stone carving, and boat crafting—the local handicrafts of the Maldives—are a window into the islands’ rich inheritance and inventiveness.
Going on board on a trip to the Maldives from India offers more than a sultry escape. It’s an invitation to connect with a very old bequest of craftsmanship, where every engraved woodblock and painted fabric tells a story.
Read more: Beach Bliss of The Maldives – A Guide to the 6 Best Beaches in the Maldives.
A Journey Through Traditional Maldivian Crafts
- Lacquer Work (Liye Laajehun): Baa Atoll’s Thulhaadhoo Island is the centre of this expert art. Locals turn wood into decorative items like bowls and vases, covering them with rich layers of lacquer in bright, swirling patterns. While tourist demand remains high, the cost of imported lacquer materials and reduced interest from younger generations has made this tradition hard to sustain.
- Wood and Stone Carving: Artisans shape wood and coral stone into ornamental household items and religious carvings. A specialized form of wood carving also exists, often used to adorn mosques and traditional homes. However, with a decline in interest and fewer apprentices, these skills are at risk of fading.
- Mat Weaving and Coir Work: Using natural fibres like reeds and coconut husks, women create mats (Thundu Kunaa) and coir ropes for home use and tourist décor. These items, while beautiful, require hours of manual labour—making them more expensive than mass-produced imports, which has led to reduced demand.
- Textile Production and Fabric Painting: Though not as well-known internationally, local women produce hand-painted fabrics and embroidered textiles. Fabric painting often includes marine-inspired motifs, adding a colourful, cultural touch to garments and home décor.
- Jewelry Work and Metal Crafting: Islands like Rinbudhoo specialize in intricate gold and silver jewellery inspired by the ocean. Traditional blacksmithing, silversmithing, and even utensil crafting (like handmade spoons and stirrers) are still practised in pockets of the country, but the lack of consistent income and raw materials makes it hard to sustain these trades.
- Crafting the Dhoni (Traditional Boat): Boatbuilding remains a proud tradition. The dhoni, carved by hand from timber, is still used for fishing and transportation. Watching one being made is a rare and impressive experience that we include in our cultural Maldives tour package.
Best Maldives Tour Packages from India – Click here.
The Challenges Facing Maldivian Handicrafts
Despite its beauty and demand, the Maldivian handicraft industry is facing significant challenges. Globalization has led to a rising demand for cheaper, imported products, often preferred by tourists over costlier handmade items. Local craftspeople also face a shortage of raw materials, like lacquer, which must be imported, increasing production costs.
Trip to the Maldives from India.
Additionally, younger generations are choosing more stable income sources in hospitality or retail over craft-making, which is seen as labour-intensive and economically uncertain. The lack of modern tools and limited product innovation further hinder artisans’ ability to compete with regional producers using upgraded technology.
Read More: Best Maldives Snorkeling Spots
Connecting Tourists with Artisans—A Purposeful Way to Travel
Ignite Travel Solution proudly offers Maldives tour packages that create meaningful travel experiences. When you book a trip to the Maldives, we connect you with local communities through curated excursions—whether that means visiting a lacquer artist’s studio, trying your hand at mat weaving, or purchasing ethically sourced souvenirs.
Your trip to the Maldives from India doesn’t have to be just a beach holiday. With Ignite Travel Solution, it becomes a cultural exploration that supports local livelihoods and preserves traditional artistry for future generations.
Book Your Cultural Trip to the Maldives Now.
