Meet Khadheeja Ahmed, the Skilled Weaver Keeping Traditional Craft Alive on Remote Maldivian Island

“There’s nothing much else to do on this island except this,” says Khadheeja Ahmed, a resident of V. Rakeedhoo — an island in the remote corner of Vaavu atoll with a population fewer than 100 people.

We found Khadheeja sitting at a holhuashi enjoying the afternoon breeze and weaving palm thatches (fangivinun).

“I learned this craft because it is what everyone on the island did back then. And I get good income from this.”

Fangivinun is a testament to how early Maldivians lived a fairly self-sufficient lifestyle back in the day.

While it was previously used for roofing as well as walls in traditional Maldivian houses, many islanders like Khadheeja are now selling their crafts to nearby resorts.

When asked where she sources her palm leaves, she revealed, “many people source their leaves from other coconut trees on this island as well as other islands, I don’t. I have my own palm trees at my home. That’s where I get the materials from.”

Khadheeja says she weaves one whole bunch a day after she does her daily tasks such as sweeping near her home.

“There are about 70 people on this island. Most Rakeedhoo people are in V. Keyodhoo, Male’, or Hulhumale’.”

“Most people leave this island for education. People move so they can give an education to their children. After grade 7, they leave to Male’ for grade 8 and above.”

Khadheeja herself has two children — one now lives in Keyodhoo, the other in Hulhumale’ phase two.