The essence of Maldives is a collection of clear blue waters, fiery sunsets, gardens under the sea and the warm demeanor of the people themselves. Fitting into this picturesque aesthetic is the rarely explored craftsmanship of Maldivian boats and builders, with the most traditional boat, Dhoni, still standing the test of time.

Ads By Oaga Art Resort Maldives

Life at Sea – for Children of the Sea

The original build of the Dhoni is historically said to be inspired by the Dhow boats hailing from Arabia and India. The Dhow boats were known to be the sturdiest companions in the Gulf and contributed to the thriving trade in the area.

Maldivians used to build Dhoni using materials such as coconut palm wood which were at the heart of every island in the nation. For every family, the Dhoni was a quintessential part of daily life. From fishing for tuna, travelling to nearby uninhabited islands to collect firewood for cooking, and even transporting food and other items for trade to bigger islands, the Dhoni was at the heart of slow local living.

From Sails to Speed – Rooted in Raa Atoll

To this day, the most talented boat builders armed with traditional skills are from Alifushi island in Raa atoll. As recently as the 90’s, lead builders would gather a crew and travel to be based in the boat yards of Alifushi to start work on a Dhoni that could take up to 2 months to complete.

Ads By The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

While the Dhoni used to be made completely from materials that are available locally with prime wood from coconut palms, it has gone through natural evolution to accommodate the times and materials such as fiberglass used in contemporary builds. While the sailing Dhoni dominated the horizons of the Maldivian ocean, diesel powered engines have taken its place in line with modern convenience.

However, what remains to this day is still the talent of the local builders that can walk into a boat yard and start work on a Dhoni with zero plans or blueprints drawn out. This comes from years of perseverance and craftmanship, usually passed down to generations and imprinted in their hands as a skill for life.

A Catalyst in the Booming Economy

With the boom of tourism, the natural heartfelt hospitality of locals focused on creating quintessential experiences. There was no pretense, only authentic experiences that were very much the daily life of Maldivians themselves at the time.

Ads By Summer Island Maldives

The Dhoni made an appearance for every single tourist to arrive in Maldives. Ferries from the airport to the resorts, chasing dolphins leaping through the ocean, tracking the gentle whale sharks and mantas between atolls, serving as a mobile diving center exploring the depths of the islands, and cruising among the painted backdrop of the sun going down.

Nostalgia living through Generations

The Dhoni is a true testament of local craftsmanship and created equal value in wealth for families. Passed down from father to son, it is a steady pillar of support for families, providing freedom of movement and a proud source of livelihood for years to come. While it is rare, some islands still exude that wave of nostalgia with small Dhonis anchored in the lagoon, kids free diving from it, and adults cruising the length of the island trawling for fish.

Named lovingly after homes, family members or other names that carry sentimental value, the Dhoni is more than a vessel for Maldivians. It is a piece of home, a memory that does not fade and an experience that keeps on giving for generations to come. New generations have been found to be inspired by the artistry of the Dhoni build, incorporating its visual elements in the design of artisanal jewelry, apparel and homeware pieces.

As time passes, the Dhoni finds its way to stay in the lives of every Maldivian and visitor setting foot in the country. And what about the builders themselves? Many are known to be lounging in their Saranfee chairs, looking back at the good old days, with a miniature Dhoni crafted with their own hands sitting as the centerpiece of living room décor.