Explore Culture and Artistry in the Maldives

A scattering of islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are formed from ancient volcanic rock and coral reefs and for many represent the ultimate in luxury travel in the sun. Whilst the principle island of Male’ is one of 200 inhabited coral ‘atolls’, there are almost 1000 more deserted islands, each one a small slice of paradise with near-unrivalled sands, warm seas and superb diving. What remain lesser-known are the artistic gems to be found in its cultural centre, amongst its widespread people and along the streets themselves.

Culture is rife in the Maldives if you look beyond the palm leaves and holiday brochure images. Though the resort industry is booming in the atolls and a winning combination of climate and clear blue water is likely to remain the main draw, Maldives holidays with Thomson can give you an opportunity to explore an island that’s packed with layers of local artistry and skill.

Male’ is much smaller than some of its neighbours, but it has the intense feel of a busy capital and social centre, as well as a different slant on the Maldivan experience, other than the cocktails and sun loungers which dominate elsewhere. This is a place where you can glimpse the lives of those who call the islands home, whether this is in the street markets, green parks or age-old mosques.

Built on temple foundations in 1656, the Hukuru Miskiiy mosque boasts astonishing carved motifs outside and an even more accomplished wood and lacquer interior. The last surviving part of the old Sultan’s Palace at the north end of Male’ also houses the National Museum, telling the story of Maldivan cultural history by way of an interesting collection of artefacts and ceremonial design. The nearby National Art Gallery contains contemporary and varied exhibitions by local artists from all over the islands.

The crafts and local music you will see out and about in the Maldives have much more to tell about the culture of this nation. The dhoni boats drawn up on the white shores are made with Arabian influence and painstaking craftsmanship, whilst the geometric decorations on local clothing and ornaments are unique to the islands. Cottage industries like mat-weaving, coir rope making and laquer work are all still practised here.

The coral stone carvers of Fenfushi on the Ari Atoll have honed their craft since the pre-Islamic age when Maldivans used this natural resource to construct wells, temples and Buddhist statues. Musical traditions have even creeped into the tourist industry here, with the African-style bodu-beru drumming being taught at resorts in the Southern Atolls, along with song, harmonica and the traditional dances that accompany them.