Weaving Together
Turning the pages of Maldivian history, one can’t help but notice the close relationship between Maldivian culture and its nature. This comes as no surprise as the island nation is well known for its turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and rich marine biodiversity. Lesser heard of is the limited but diverse terrestrial ecosystem including different types of mangroves and wetlands found across at least 150 islands. These mangroves and wetlands have for years supported the sustenance and livelihood of many Maldivians as in the case with “Thun’du Kunaa Viyun,” a traditional form of mat weaving using local reed also known as hau dating back some 200 years.
Intricate designs seen in Thun'du Kunaa
The use of this indigenous reed is just one aspect of how nature intertwined with traditional mat weaving. Reeds are dried, and then dyed in black and yellow using concoctions of local flora, its bark and roots. These are then woven together with threads made from the bark of sea hibiscus to make intricate designs. Historically, each and every mat was designed and sized for specific use from sleeping and praying to gifting royals adding up to make a collection of 75 unique patterns.
Sadly, this enthralling part of Maldivian culture is slowly fading with many of the 75 designs long forgotten. While the southernmost atolls have been in the forefront of this tradition, mat weaving at a notable scale is seen in only about two islands from the 27 inhabited islands in the south including GDh. Gahdhdhoo and GDh. Rathafandoo. Even within these islands, only a handful of artisans exists and MACCS is honored to work closely with them to revive this dying art.
MACCS was formed in 2011, in response to an ever-diminishing local handicrafts industry and the threatened extinction of centuries-old Maldivian craftsmanship. Led by a group of women, bonded in friendship and a shared purpose, the organization continues to contribute towards preservation and revitalization of weaving Thun’dukunaa from Hau over the years. In the latest effort, MACCS conducted the first ever traditional Thun’dukunaa course in the capital, Male’ City.
The course which took place for 20 days from 15 February to 9 March 2023 was successfully completed by 10 participants. “I learned a lot about patience and the importance of doing the art in the intended way rather than taking shortcuts. I learned how to set up my own Haru, some amount of trouble shooting techniques and tips and tricks for neater, finer weavings. I also learned the importance of improvising, cause working with natural material means that there are going to be issues along the way. It also gave me a deep appreciation for not only the women who weave the kunaa, but those who prepare the material needed to make the kunaa. I also had a lot of fun figuring out designs and gaining a deeper understanding of this art,” shared one of the participants reflecting back on the experience and lessons learnt.
Traditional Thun'du Kunaa Course - Closing Ceremony
MACCS hopes to see these participants continue to master their newly acquired skills, inspire more to learn the art of Thun’du Kunaa Viyun and pass on this age-old tradition to future generations. As Johan Huizinga, said “if we are to preserve culture, we must continue to create it.”
