Art is a human distinction that is unique to us. Inspiring us to be constructively creative to excel above other species. Art came into being out of a necessity to communicate and express ourselves with each other. Initially to describe where and how to acquire food and water.
It is in our nature to strive for individuality and beautification by means of body art and ornamentation. Using colorful adornments also creates a cultural identity that isn’t restricted to the body, it extends to objects and tools that are used daily in the community.
Likewise, art played a vital role in Maldives. A distinct cultural identity was inspired from the environment and incorporated into facets of island life. Eventually, this enrichment of culture was translated further into a visual identity. Maldives being a waterworld of scattered islands in the Indian Ocean, sailing was the only mode of transport and fishing was the primary livelihood. As a thriving fishing community, fishing boats or *Mas dhoni was the most prized possession. It is only natural that it visually reflect the cultural identity of the Maldivians.
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| Notice the circular art on the rudder |
Dhoni art had many functions other than just making the boat look good. As mentioned, it was an effective way to identify local vessels from one another. Simply, it was an easier way to distinguish the friendlies from the enemies out on the vast seas. Back then, piracy was rampant in the absence of coast guards. It was a matter of life and death to identify the approaching vessel from a safe distance, helping the fishermen to decide to either fish or flight.
The traditional Mas dhoni evolved quite rapidly in its attempt to keep up with new technological inventions and innovations, tragically losing the art and culture in the process.
*The Maldivian Dhoni is a traditional handcrafted wooden sailboat used for fishing and sailing to other islands. The name Dhoni probably was derived from the Arabian Dhow, which has a striking resemblance but the Maldivian Dhoni has distinctive features that are unique to Maldives. Interestingly, the Kannada word for small boat is Doni and Thoni in Malayaalam, perhaps owing to the trading between the Arabs and Indians. These may have been the most likely influences that named and shaped the Maldivian Dhoni.
"They (the capital or ruling class)create and commercialize cultural icons like Marilyn
Monroe or James Dean to cash-in on their success. This sort of creates a cultural
tunnel-vision, the ones neglected suffers even if they are comparatively
beneficial to the society. Van Gogh is a good example. He sold only one
painting when he was alive. The society was so engrossed in what the elite
favored they failed to notice his genius. Of course, they wasted no time to
make him a cultural icon soon after his death." (Read the full interview in the next Lavish edition)
