The Maldives is home to some of the most skilled craftsmen in the world. Though the Maldivian arts were born more from necessity than from pleasure, tourism has turned Maldivian art into a hot commodity. Craftsmanship is very important to Maldivian's culture - Trades and skills are passed down from one generation to the next over several centuries, and this eventually led to the perfection of Maldives art as it is known today. 

Liye-Laajehun

Wooden lacquer ware or Liye-Laajehun as its called in Dhivehi, involves the process of shaping and hollowing out pieces of wood to form beautifully crafted boxes, vases and ornaments. Made from local woods which grows abundantly throughout the country, they come in various shapes and sizes. These elegant pieces of art are lacquered in strands of red, black and yellow resin and delicately carved with flowing flowery-patterns.

Thundu-kunaa

Beautiful reed mats are woven throughout the Country but the most famous are made in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll on Gadhdhoo island. Reeds are dried under the sun and stained with natural dyes, the color varying between fawn and black. These mats with designs are woven by hand according to the weavers' imagination.