The Timeless Art of Maldivian Weaving & Embroidery
About the Craft
Kasabu weaving, known as Kasabu Boavalhu, is a meticulous handwoven lacing technique used to adorn the neckline and sleeves of the traditional Libaas, the elegant Maldivian dress. Using gold, silver, or colorful threads, skilled artisans create intricate geometric patterns that enhance the beauty of the garment. Each Kasabu pattern is carefully woven, requiring precision and patience.
Traditionally worn by Maldivian women on special occasions and royal ceremonies, the craftsmanship behind Kasabu weaving reflects a deep-rooted respect for tradition and artistic mastery. Today, this technique continues to be a mark of elegance and heritage, keeping alive a craft that has been practiced for centuries.
Kasabu Weaving: The Art of Precision
Kasabu Weaving: The Art of Precision
Kasabu weaving, known as Kasabu Boavalhu, is a meticulous handwoven lacing technique used to adorn the neckline and sleeves of the traditional Libaas, the elegant Maldivian dress. Using gold, silver, or colorful threads, skilled artisans create intricate geometric patterns that enhance the beauty of the garment. Each Kasabu pattern is carefully woven, requiring precision and patience.
Traditionally worn by Maldivian women on special occasions and royal ceremonies, the craftsmanship behind Kasabu weaving reflects a deep-rooted respect for tradition and artistic mastery. Today, this technique continues to be a mark of elegance and heritage, keeping alive a craft that has been practiced for centuries.
See Kasabu Weaving in Action
Kasabu Libaas
The Kasabu Libaas is a traditional Maldivian women’s dress, recognized for its intricate Kasabu embroidery adorning the neckline. Made from silk or rich fabrics, it features gold, silver, or colorful thread patterns in floral or geometric designs. Worn during weddings, festivals, and national events, it symbolizes elegance and cultural heritage, with its craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Feyli
The Feyli is a traditional Maldivian unisex wraparound skirt made from cotton, featuring a black base with white horizontal stripes near the edges. Once daily wear, it is now primarily worn during cultural events, ceremonies, and traditional dances, representing heritage and identity. Simple yet elegant, it reflects the island lifestyle and maritime traditions of the Maldives.
Bangle (Ulhaa)
The Ulhaa is a traditional Maldivian bangle worn by women with the Kasabu Libaas. Traditionally crafted from gold or silver, it is a symbol of elegance and cultural heritage, playing a vital role in Maldivian traditional attire.
Fattaru Bai
The Fattaru Bai is a traditional Maldivian necklace, worn with cultural attire during weddings and ceremonies. Made from gold or silver, it features intricate designs on flattened metal, symbolizing island heritage and craftsmanship. This necklace is an important part of traditional Maldivian jewelry, representing cultural pride and artisanal skill.
Kinaari embroidery is a decorative border technique that adorns Libaas, scarves, and ceremonial garments, adding intricate beauty to traditional attire. Traditionally hand-stitched with gold and silver threads, these flowing, nature-inspired motifs add a regal touch, symbolizing prestige and refined craftsmanship passed down through generations. Each stitch tells a story of heritage and artistry, making Kinaari a cherished element of Maldivian cultural expression.
Kinaari: Embroidery of Elegance
Rumaafalhi
The Traditional Headwear
Rumaafalhi is an elegant Maldivian headpiece worn with the Libaas, completing the traditional attire. Designed to complement the intricate embroidery and weaving, it reflects cultural identity and is often worn during special occasions and ceremonies, preserving a deep connection to Maldivian heritage.
Kasabu Libaas
The Kasabu Libaas is a traditional Maldivian women’s dress, recognized for its intricate Kasabu embroidery adorning the neckline. Made from silk or rich fabrics, it features gold, silver, or colorful thread patterns in floral or geometric designs. Worn during weddings, festivals, and national events, it symbolizes elegance and cultural heritage, with its craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Feyli
The Feyli is a traditional Maldivian unisex wraparound skirt made from cotton, featuring a black base with white horizontal stripes near the edges. Once daily wear, it is now primarily worn during cultural events, ceremonies, and traditional dances, representing heritage and identity. Simple yet elegant, it reflects the island lifestyle and maritime traditions of the Maldives.
Bangle (Ulhaa)
The Ulhaa is a traditional Maldivian bangle worn by women with the Kasabu Libaas. Traditionally crafted from gold or silver, it is a symbol of elegance and cultural heritage, playing a vital role in Maldivian traditional attire.
Fattaru Bai
The Fattaru Bai is a traditional Maldivian necklace, worn with cultural attire during weddings and ceremonies. Made from gold or silver, it features intricate designs on flattened metal, symbolizing island heritage and craftsmanship. This necklace is an important part of traditional Maldivian jewelry, representing cultural pride and artisanal skill.
Kasabu Libaas
The Kasabu Libaas is a traditional Maldivian women’s dress, recognized for its intricate Kasabu embroidery adorning the neckline. Made from silk or rich fabrics, it features gold, silver, or colorful thread patterns in floral or geometric designs. Worn during weddings, festivals, and national events, it symbolizes elegance and cultural heritage, with its craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Feyli
The Feyli is a traditional Maldivian unisex wraparound skirt made from cotton, featuring a black base with white horizontal stripes near the edges. Once daily wear, it is now primarily worn during cultural events, ceremonies, and traditional dances, representing heritage and identity. Simple yet elegant, it reflects the island lifestyle and maritime traditions of the Maldives.
Bangle (Ulhaa)
The Ulhaa is a traditional Maldivian bangle worn by women with the Kasabu Libaas. Traditionally crafted from gold or silver, it is a symbol of elegance and cultural heritage, playing a vital role in Maldivian traditional attire.
Fattaru Bai
The Fattaru Bai is a traditional Maldivian necklace, worn with cultural attire during weddings and ceremonies. Made from gold or silver, it features intricate designs on flattened metal, symbolizing island heritage and craftsmanship. This necklace is an important part of traditional Maldivian jewelry, representing cultural pride and artisanal skill.
Kinaari embroidery is a decorative border technique that adorns Libaas, scarves, and ceremonial garments, adding intricate beauty to traditional attire. Traditionally hand-stitched with gold and silver threads, these flowing, nature-inspired motifs add a regal touch, symbolizing prestige and refined craftsmanship passed down through generations. Each stitch tells a story of heritage and artistry, making Kinaari a cherished element of Maldivian cultural expression.
Kinaari: Embroidery of Elegance
