Huvadhoo bondi
This sweet stick will remind you of the taste of your heavenly holidays spent in the Maldives. It is a dough sausage with a texture similar to halva made from young coconut pulp and coconut sap. The taste is reminiscent of a famous coconut bar, the chocolate nut. The huvadhoo bondi sticks are nicely wrapped in a dried banana leaf. They make an original and authentic gift. But be careful, they must be eaten soon after returning home, as they dry out quickly in our latitudes.
Dried tuna
If you have the opportunity to pass by the fishing port of Male, do not hesitate to buy dried yellowfin tuna flakes. You will find them all over the stalls and once back home, they will be a great addition to your summer salads. You can also find vacuum-packed cured tuna. The slices of fish can be enjoyed as an aperitif with a dash of lime, for example.
Lacquers
Lacquered wooden boxes and vases are directly from the Chinese tradition. This confidential craft is perpetuated in the atoll of Maalhosmadulu. The women lacquer the objects (often round boxes of all sizes) in yellow and bright red or black.
The mats
Somewhat cumbersome to slip into your suitcase, mats are by far the most traditional items to bring back from a trip to the Maldives. They are woven by women from sedges, tall grasses with a triangular cross section. The grasses are dyed with natural pigments which are limited to 4 tones: yellow, ecru, brown and black. Any other colour indicates the use of chemical dyes. The mats are woven before the grass becomes too dry and brittle. The patterns used are generally geometric in accordance with Islamic dogma which forbids any human or animal representation. Of various sizes, the smallest are generally used as prayer rugs. The larger ones are used as carpets or mattresses in homes.
Ropes
It's a funny idea and it weighs a lot. But if you're looking for a strong and durable rope, the Maldivian will not disappoint you! Made from coir, it is used to connect the dhoni to its anchor. The women use the shells of ripe coconuts, which they leave to macerate for 3 months. The bark is then beaten with heavy flails to remove the fibre. This one is washed, then dried and finally twisted.
Not to be taken back
The Maldivian islands are government property. And it is forbidden to take a little piece of it home. No matter how fine and white the sand is, no matter how small and cute the shell, no matter how colorful or dead the coral. Maldivian customs are very careful and your bag will be X-rayed before boarding. You risk seizure of the illegally taken goods and a fine.
