Maldives Shipbuilding: Native Trees, Timber, the Enduring Maritime Heritage, and the Forgotten Sanbaoku Dhoani

Ancient Maldivian Samboak Dhoani sailing majestically at sunset, capturing the vibrant colors and serene beauty of the sea.

Maldivian shipbuilding, known as Kissaru Wadaan, is a centuries-old tradition that reflects the Maldives’ profound reliance on the sea for survival, shaping its economy, culture, and identity. This craft, centered on constructing vessels like the iconic Dhoni, has been pivotal in supporting fishing, inter-island transportation, and trade within the Indian Ocean. The Maldivian boats, particularly the Dhoni, share functional similarities with Roman merchant ships like the actuaria and exhibit closer design parallels with Phoenician ships, reflecting influences from ancient maritime trade networks. This response explores the intricacies of Maldivian shipbuilding, contributions, and the design and functional parallels with Roman and Phoenician vessels, contextualized within the Maldives’ maritime heritage.

The Artistry of Maldivian Carpenters

Maldivian carpenters are celebrated for their ancient boatbuilding skills, passed down through generations via apprenticeships. Young craftsmen begin training under skilled masters at an early age, learning to construct boats like the Dhoni or potentially the Sanbaoku Odi without written plans. This intuitive approach, where the design emerges as the boat is built, showcases their expertise and deep understanding of materials and maritime dynamics.

Types of Native Timber Used in Maldivian Shipbuilding

The following list details the primary native timbers used in Maldivian shipbuilding, based on their scientific names, local names, properties, and applications:

1. Coconut Tree (Cocos nucifera)  

   • Local Name: Coconut (Dhivehi: "Ruh")

   • Properties: Lightweight, moderately durable, and resistant to saline conditions due to its natural oils. Readily available across the Maldives, making it a staple in boatbuilding.

   • Uses: Primarily used for hull planks, frames, and decking due to its abundance and ease of working. Its flexibility suits the sewn-plank construction method, where planks are stitched with coir ropes.

   • Significance: The coconut tree is a cornerstone of Maldivian ecology and economy, providing timber, coir for ropes, and leaves for sails in traditional vessels.

     
     

     Kuredhi (Ironwood)  

     • Scientific Name: Likely Mesua ferrea or similar ironwood species (e.g., Casuarina equisetifolia in coastal regions).

     • Local Name: Kuredhi

     • Properties: Exceptionally strong, dense, and resistant to marine borers, termites, and rot due to natural oils. Its hardness makes it challenging to work but ideal for high-stress components.

     • Uses: Preferred for masts, keels, and structural supports due to its durability and ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions. Often used in critical areas requiring longevity.

     • Significance: Highly valued for its resilience, Kuredhi is a premium timber in Maldivian shipbuilding, ensuring vessels endure prolonged exposure to seawater.

       
       

       Kaani (Cordia subcordata)  

       • Local Name: Kaani (Beach Cordia or Sea Trumpet)

       • Properties: Soft, lightweight, and durable, with good resistance to moisture. Its fine grain allows for smooth carving and finishing.

       • Uses: Commonly used for hull planks, interior fittings, and decorative elements due to its workability and aesthetic appeal.

       • Significance: Kaani’s versatility makes it a staple in Dhoni construction, balancing strength and ease of use

       
       

     • Funa (Calophyllum inophyllum)  

       • Local Name: Funa (Alexandrian Laurel)

       • Properties: Strong, moderately heavy, and highly resistant to decay and marine organisms. Its interlocking grain enhances structural integrity.

       • Uses: Used for hulls, keels, and frames, as well as furniture and carvings in larger vessels. Its durability suits components exposed to constant moisture.

       • Significance: Considered one of the finest timbers in the Maldives, Funa is prized for its longevity and aesthetic qualities.

       
       

     • Hirundhu (Thespesia populnea)  

       • Local Name: Hirundhu (Portia Tree)

       • Properties: Rich, dark-colored wood with moderate strength and good resistance to moisture. Its density supports intricate carving.

       • Uses: Employed for hull planks, tool handles, and decorative carvings. Its dark hue adds aesthetic value to visible components.

       • Significance: Hirundhu’s versatility extends beyond shipbuilding to other crafts, reflecting its cultural importance.

     
     

   • Nirolhu (Maldivian Rosewood)  

     • Scientific Name: Likely Pterocarpus or Dalbergia species.

     • Local Name: Nirolhu (Ruvaa Wood)

     • Properties: Hard, durable, and highly resistant to water and decay. Its fine texture and natural oils make it ideal for marine environments.

     • Uses: Used for hulls, structural beams, and other critical components requiring water resistance.

     • Significance: Nirolhu’s ability to withstand harsh marine conditions makes it a preferred choice for high-quality vessels.

     
     

   • Hithi (Calophyllum inophyllum)  

     • Local Name: Hithi

     • Properties: Strong, durable, and resistant to rot, similar to Funa (same species). Its toughness suits high-stress applications.

     • Uses: Primarily used for keels and structural frames due to its ability to endure constant submersion.

     • Significance: Hithi’s strength ensures the structural integrity of vessels navigating coral-filled waters.

     
     

   • Midhili (Terminalia catappa)  

     • Local Name: Midhili (Indian Almond)

     • Properties: Strong, moderately heavy, and durable, with good resistance to moisture. Its straight grain facilitates construction.

     • Uses: Used for hull planks, decking, and structural components.

     • Significance: Midhili’s availability and strength make it a reliable choice for various shipbuilding tasks.

• Dhiggaa (Hibiscus tiliaceus)  

  • Local Name: Dhiggaa (Sea Hibiscus)

  • Properties: Lightweight, flexible, and moderately durable. Its resilience suits coastal applications.

  • Uses: Used for lighter components like railings and interior fittings.

  • Significance: Dhiggaa’s flexibility complements stronger timbers in composite construction.

  
  

• Kandoo (Lumnitzera racemosa)  

  • Local Name: Kandoo (Black Mangrove)

  • Properties: Dense, durable, and resistant to saline conditions, ideal for marine environments.

  • Uses: Used for hulls and structural elements, particularly in smaller vessels.

  • Significance: Kandoo’s mangrove origin reflects the Maldives’ adaptation to its coastal ecology.

  
  

  • Randoo   

    • Local Name: Randoo

    • Properties: Hard, fine-textured, and durable, with excellent resistance to wear.

    • Uses: Used for hulls, frames, and high-stress components in traditional boats.

    • Significance: Randoo’s strength makes it a premium choice for critical structural elements.

    
    

  • Bodu Vaki (Mangrove, likely Avicennia marina or Rhizophora species)  

    • Local Name: Bodu Vaki (Bodu Kandoo)

    • Properties: Tough, water-resistant, and adapted to saline environments.

    • Uses: Primarily used for Dhoni hulls and other submerged components.

    • Significance: Mangrove wood’s resilience suits the Maldives’ marine conditions.

  • Kandoo (Ficus species)  

    • Local Name: Kandoo

    • Properties: Soft but durable, with good flexibility for specific applications.

    • Uses: Preferred for masts due to its balance of strength and lightness.

    • Significance: Kandu’s suitability for masts ensures reliable sail support.

  
  
  
  

  • Banbukeyo (Artocarpus altilis)  

    • Local Name: Banbukeyo (Breadfruit)

    • Properties: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture.

    • Uses: Used for hulls and decking, particularly in smaller vessels.

    • Significance: Breadfruit wood’s availability supports sustainable construction.

  • Helenbeli (Acacia eburnea)  

    • Local Name: Helenbeli

    • Properties: Moderately strong and durable, suitable for secondary components.

    • Uses: Used for fittings and non-structural elements.

    • Significance: Helenbeli complements primary timbers in composite builds.

  • Moonimaa (Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar Periwinkle)  

    • Local Name: Moonimaa

    • Properties: Strong and durable, though less common due to limited availability.

    • Uses: Used for hulls and structural components in traditional boats.

    • Significance: Moonimaa’s strength supports its niche use in shipbuilding.

  
  
  
  

  Dhanbu Wood  

  • Local Name: Dhanbu

  • Properties: Moderately durable, used for specific applications.

  • Uses: Employed for fittings and secondary components.

  • Significance: Dhanbu’s role is supplementary, enhancing construction versatility.

  
  

• Uni Lakudi and Nika Lakudi  

  • Local Name: Uni Lakudi, Nika Lakudi

  • Properties: Durable woods with specific regional uses, though less documented.

  • Uses: Used for various components, likely hulls or fittings.

  • Significance: These woods reflect the diversity of Maldivian timber resources.

    
    

    Timber Selection and Grading In Maldivian shipbuilding, timber is selected based on its suitability for specific tasks:

    • High-Grade Timber (e.g., Kuredhi, Funa, Hithi): Used for keels, masts, and hulls due to superior strength and resistance to marine conditions.

    • Medium-Grade Timber (e.g., Kaani, Hirundhu, Midhili): Used for hull planks, decking, and frames, balancing durability and workability.

    • Lower-Grade Timber (e.g., Helenbeli, Dhanbu): Used for fittings, railings, and non-structural elements.

    
    

    The preference for small-knot wood ensures structural integrity, particularly for hulls exposed to constant wave action. The sewn-plank technique, combined with these timbers, allows flexibility and repairability, critical in the Maldives’ remote islands.

    
    
    
    

    Cultural and Ecological Context

    
    

    The use of native timbers in the Maldives serves as a significant reflection of the nation’s adaptation to its unique coral-based ecology, which is characterized by a scarcity of hardwood forests. In this island nation, where the surrounding ocean plays a vital role in daily life and culture, the availability of natural resources is limited, thus necessitating a creative and resourceful approach to building materials. As a result, coconut and mangrove woods have emerged as the primary materials for construction and craftsmanship due to their abundant presence in the environment. The careful selection and use of these timbers highlight the Maldivians' commitment to quality and tradition in their craftsmanship. This resourcefulness and adaptability, as documented by renowned scholars such as Ahamed Shafeeq H. ShafeeqGe and Maizan Hassan Manik, not only reflect the practical aspects of construction in the Maldives but also align with the nation’s rich maritime heritage. The traditional methods of utilizing native timbers are deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of the Maldives, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between the people and their environment. The craftsmanship involved in working with these materials has been passed down through generations, showcasing skills that are integral to the Maldivian way of life and contributing to the preservation of local traditions in the face of modern challenges.

    
    
    
    

    Conclusion

    
    

    Kissaru Wadaan embodies the rich and intricate maritime heritage of the Maldives, a nation renowned for its deep connection to the sea. Central to this heritage is the Dhoni, a traditional sailing vessel that has been integral to the Maldivian way of life for centuries. The Dhoni, along with potential variants such as the Sanbaoku Dhoani, serves as a testament to the enduring seafaring identity of the Maldivian people. These vessels are not merely modes of transport; they represent a cultural legacy that has been passed down through generations, illustrating the importance of the ocean in the daily lives and economic activities of the Maldivian community. The craftsmanship of Maldivian carpenters is intuitive and deeply rooted in tradition, utilizing techniques that have been honed over many years. These skilled artisans work with native timbers such as Kuredhi, Kaani, and coconut to construct durable vessels that are perfectly suited for fishing, trade, and transport across the vast Indian Ocean. The choice of materials is not arbitrary; each type of wood is selected for its unique properties, ensuring that the boats are not only functional but also resilient against the harsh marine environment. Moreover, the functional parallels between Maldivian boats and ancient Roman actuaria, as well as design similarities with Phoenician ships, highlight the historical influences that have shaped the maritime practices of the Maldives. These connections suggest a rich tapestry of trade and cultural exchange that has existed over millennia, underscoring the Maldives' role as a significant player in the ancient maritime trade routes. The design of these vessels reflects a blend of local innovation and external influences, demonstrating how the Maldives has adapted and evolved its maritime technology in response to both environmental challenges and the demands of trade. The diverse selection of timbers, each graded for specific roles in the construction of these vessels, showcases the ecological ingenuity of the Maldives. This careful consideration of materials not only speaks to the skill of the craftsmen but also to the sustainable practices that have been integral to the Maldivian way of life. By utilizing local resources efficiently, the Maldives has forged a maritime heritage that bridges the past and the present, ensuring that the cultural significance of these vessels continues to resonate with future generations. In this way, the Kissaru Wadaan is not just a symbol of maritime prowess, but a living embodiment of the Maldives’ enduring relationship with the sea, reflecting both its history and its aspirations for the future.