(left)
Mr Fathuhulla Foreign Minister |
(Middle)
Dr Anderson Head of the British Museum |
(right)
Mr Mark Lennox-Boyd Parliamentary Under Secretary for State |
This is a box carved out from coral stone known as "hiriga", in Dhivehi.
It is no longer allowed to mine this type coral as it is hard and protects the reef, mining for this coral then erodes the islands surrounding reef system. This coral was earlier used in mosque wells and also as tomb stones. When used in mosque wells the inside of well does not get green algae which otherwise is found in many of the wells that used other types of cement. |
The item above is commonly known as a IiyeIaajehi dhaIhu. This lacquer item is made out of wood, the craftsman have carved it out, then used a type of ink to draw designs on it. Its a local handcraft, the designs are original ideas by the craftsman who is making it. Usually lacquer are in three or four colours with red and black being the common denominator.
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At the top of the stairs is the national flag of the Republic of Maldives and either side the unique seascape of this "garland of islands". An address was given by Mr Fathuhulla, Dr Anderson and Mr Mark Lennox-Boyd to a very large number of guests , followed by Cocktail's and small eats.
The highlight for me was driving with Mr Fathuhalla to the British Museum as guests of Dr Anderson for dinner.
Entering this amazing historic building, all so silent almost eerie, a large quadrangle, and then up stairs to Dr Anderson's Residence
There were not many guests, I can't remember what we ate as it was a long time back, but conversation flowed as a number of the guests had never been to the Maldives. Of course I was in my element!
What I do remember very well, was all the walls, both in the dining room, the stairs and Dr Anderson's sitting room were awash with the most beautiful paintings. Sadly I had no time to linger. After dinner the guests all left except Mr Fathuhulla and myself. Dr Anderson asked us to sign the visitors book and then we went into his sitting room and talked long long into the night just the three of us.
My memory is having MY Maldives' here in the United Kingdom. Being featured everywhere at this wonderful Museum of Mankind, which is just off Piccadilly in the heart of London. In the gallery is displayed the History of The Maldives going right the way back to their very early days. People were queuing to view...Afternoons talks / lectures were packed out.
Featured here are just two of my gifts I have many many more.
The highlight for me was driving with Mr Fathuhalla to the British Museum as guests of Dr Anderson for dinner.
Entering this amazing historic building, all so silent almost eerie, a large quadrangle, and then up stairs to Dr Anderson's Residence
There were not many guests, I can't remember what we ate as it was a long time back, but conversation flowed as a number of the guests had never been to the Maldives. Of course I was in my element!
What I do remember very well, was all the walls, both in the dining room, the stairs and Dr Anderson's sitting room were awash with the most beautiful paintings. Sadly I had no time to linger. After dinner the guests all left except Mr Fathuhulla and myself. Dr Anderson asked us to sign the visitors book and then we went into his sitting room and talked long long into the night just the three of us.
My memory is having MY Maldives' here in the United Kingdom. Being featured everywhere at this wonderful Museum of Mankind, which is just off Piccadilly in the heart of London. In the gallery is displayed the History of The Maldives going right the way back to their very early days. People were queuing to view...Afternoons talks / lectures were packed out.
Featured here are just two of my gifts I have many many more.