Ethical souvenirs

With a rapid rise of tourism in Maldives the islands have increased the production of unsustainable souvenirs from the ocean, including corals, sponges, sharks teeth, sea shells and black coral. There are numerous Maldivian handicrafts from coconut crafts, cior making, wood carving, woven mats and lacquerwork. Thuahaadhoo in Baa Atoll is famed for its lacquerwork handicrafts, or "liyelaa jehun" as it is called in Dhivehi so Soneva Fushi hosts went to check it out. 

The Maldivian craftsmen who practice "liyelaa jehun" create intricate designs on carved wooden objects such as vases and jewellery boxes. The craftsman sculpts the desired form out of a simple block of wood. The finished design is then coated, layer by layer, with lacquer of various colours, usually black, orange, green and yellow. For those pieces that are extra-special, the craftsman will sometimes even use gold and silver dust to give the finished product an additional level of exoticness. The finished piece is then polished with dry coconut leaves until it gleams. The end result is sleek, shiny and etched with fine intricate designs - a work of traditional Maldivian art.

Meeting the Island Councillor of Thuaadhoo

The lacquerwork workshop

In action

Wood carvings

The finished products

You can help support local communities and help to preserve this tradition through purchasing these unique 100% Maldivian lacquerworks which are sold in our shops.