Design history in Maldives is a fascinating and multifaceted field of study that encompasses a wide range of design practices and aesthetics that have evolved over centuries. The history of design in Maldives is a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage, which has been shaped by a diverse range of external influences and local cultural values. Design practices in Maldives have been influenced by Hindu-Buddhist tradition, Islamic aesthetics, and colonialism, resulting in a unique and eclectic design culture that is deeply rooted in the country's history and traditions. One of the key aspects of design history in Maldives is the country's traditional craftsmanship, which has had a significant impact on the development of design in the country. The indigenous people of Maldives have a long and proud history of crafting intricate and beautiful objects using a variety of materials, including coral, wood, and coconut shells. These traditional crafts have been passed down through generations and continue to be an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Another important aspect of design history in Maldives is the country's contemporary design scene, which has been gaining momentum in recent years. Contemporary designers in Maldives draw on traditional motifs and materials to create new forms, resulting in a unique and innovative design culture that is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. The country's contemporary design scene is characterized by a focus on sustainability, with many designers using locally sourced materials and traditional techniques to create environmentally friendly designs. Overall, design history in Maldives is a rich and complex field of study that encompasses a wide range of design practices and aesthetics. From traditional crafts to contemporary design, the history of design in Maldives reflects the country's unique cultural heritage and its ongoing evolution as a modern, forward-thinking nation.
Maldives, design practices, traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design, cultural heritage
Design History in Maldives is an engaging and varied field of study, and one which is often overlooked in the greater context of design research. Historically, the Maldives has long been a center of trade and commerce, with its strategic position in the Indian Ocean making it an attractive port of call for traders from across the region. As such, the country has seen a diverse range of influences on its design practices, from Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arab styles of Islamic architecture, to Portuguese and Dutch influences on its furniture and decorative arts. In addition, the traditional craftsmanship of the indigenous people of the Maldives has had a significant impact on the development of design in the country. In recent years, advances in technology have allowed for greater access to materials, tools, and innovative techniques, leading to exciting new developments in the area of design.
Maldives, Architecture, Islamic, Craftsmanship, Technology.
CITATION : "Isabella Park. 'Design History In Maldives.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=239054 (Accessed on May 17, 2025)"
Design history in Maldives is a field of inquiry that has been gaining momentum in recent years, as designers, theorists, and historians have sought to understand the unique and complex design culture of this archipelago nation. From the early colonial period, when the Portuguese and Dutch introduced a range of decorative arts and crafts, to the present day, when contemporary designer-makers draw on traditional motifs and materials to create new forms, the history of design in Maldives has been shaped by the interplay of external influences and local cultural values. Important figures in Maldives’ design history include the late artist-designer Ibrahim Didi, who merged traditional Islamic design with European modernism, and the eminent art historian, Azima Shukoor, who wrote extensively on the development of the art and architectural heritage of Maldives. Significant design projects and exhibitions include the ‘Jewels of the Sea’ exhibition of coral-inspired jewelry, and the ‘Island of Light’ exhibition, which showcased cutting-edge work by Maldivian designers. Publications such as ‘Design in the Maldives: A Historical Perspective’, by prominent design historian, Mohamed Shafeeq, have provided an invaluable insight into the history of design in Maldives.
Identity, Cultural Heritage, Craft, Innovation, Modernism.
Design has been an integral part of Maldivian culture for centuries, and the history of design in the region is quite extensive. Design practices and aesthetics have evolved in many ways throughout different periods of Maldivian history, from ancient times to the present. During the pre-Islamic period, the patterns, structures, and materials used in Maldivian design were strongly influenced by the Hindu-Buddhist tradition, with intricate details, elaborate ornamentation, and a focus on the spiritual aspects of life. In the Islamic period, Maldivian design began to reflect the Islamic aesthetic with its emphasis on geometric patterns and calligraphy, while still preserving the existing traditions of the region. During the colonial period, Maldivian design was heavily impacted by the influence of British and Dutch colonialism, with the introduction of new materials such as coral, teak, and ebony and a focus on modernist aesthetics. In the post-independence period, Maldivian design has become more eclectic, with a variety of styles, patterns, materials, and techniques being used, while still maintaining a core connection to the culture and traditions of the country.
Traditional, Colonial, Islamic, Pre-Islamic, Modernist.
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