This mural tells the imagined tale of the Dheyvee people, the first settlers of the Maldives, weaving their arrival and way of life into a vivid tapestry of myth, nature, and community.
Title: Journey to the Isles: A Mythical Beginning
Artist: Afzal Shaafiu (Afu), MA Fine Art
Location: Hoba Deck Wall, Oaga Art Resort, Maldives
Dimensions: 26 x 9 feet
Duration: 18 days
Year: January 2025
Arrival on the Waves
On the mural’s top right, the settlers journey across an endless ocean, carried not by man-made vessels but on the back of a majestic leatherback turtle, their guide through uncharted waters. Above them, white-tailed tropicbirds (Dhandifulhu dhooni) soar, their elegant flight leading the way to promised lands. This recalls ancient myths of seafarers following birds to discover new shores, reflecting traditions shared by coastal communities across the Indian Ocean.
Storms and Spirits
The monsoon roars in full force—a tempest of rain and wind that defines life on the islands. Beneath a giant cassava leaf (ala faiy) the community’s mystic (kiyevelibey) sits, a figure both feared and revered, bridging the mortal and spiritual realms. His eyes widen as he spots vigani, a sea demon invisible to others, lurking at the storm’s edge. This imagery parallels folklore from Sri Lanka, South India, and beyond, where the sea is home to spirits—sometimes protectors, sometimes tempters.
Stars and Auspicious Moments
At the top center, the astrologer gazes at the heavens, pointing to a constellation that marks the auspicious moment. The stars, eternal and unchanging, guide the rhythms of the Dheyvee people’s lives—echoing the deep connections to astrology found in Tamil, Sinhalese, and Southeast Asian cultures, where celestial alignments dictate ceremonies, journeys and rituals.
Fire, Community, and Hospitality
In the heart of the mural, a bonfire blazes, its warmth drawing the community together. Around the fire, people gather to share stories, laughter, and traditions. A man at the foreground invites the viewer to join the circle – a gesture of Maldivian hospitality, where every guest is treated as family. Young women approach with offerings, embodying an age-old tradition of welcoming with food and drink. Even a curious goat symbolic of domestic life leans forward, eager to greet the newcomer.
Matriarchy and Harmony with Nature
To the left, a woman stands with quiet authority—the head of the community in this matriarchal society, as Maldivian folklore often suggests. She is surrounded by lush flora and fauna, from towering palms to delicate fronds, reflecting the simplicity and self-sufficiency of the Dheyvee people’s way of life.
Connections to Kumari Kandam and Ancient Civilizations
Legends of Kumari Kandam, a mythical lost land, resonate with the story of the Dheyvee people. Rooted in ancient Tamil myths, Kumari Kandam is thought to have been a submerged continent connecting Africa, India, and Madagascar. While modern science has debunked this as a geological reality, the idea persists as a cultural symbol of shared heritage. The mural also draws parallels with folklore from across the Indian Ocean: Tamil and Sinhalese tales of submerged lands, Southeast Asian myths like the Javanese ‘Atlantis of the East,’ and Swahili coast stories of sunken cities and sea spirits. The themes of navigation, astrology, and matriarchy highlight shared motifs among these ancient maritime cultures, underscoring their interconnectedness through seafaring and trade.
The Heart of the Mural
This mural is not merely a depiction of the Dheyvee people’s imagined past—it is a celebration of humanity’s enduring relationship with nature, mythology, and community. By blending cultural threads from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa, it invites viewers to step into the flames of the bonfire and feel the heartbeat of a timeless, interconnected civilization.
The above is an original written by: Afzal Shaafiu
About the Artist
Born in Malé, Maldives, in 1975, Afu has been a practicing artist since the age of 18. Trained in Graphic Design, he was a pivotal force in the advertising industry during his early career. In 2010, he shifted his focus entirely to fine art. His work has been exhibited in over 57 exhibitions both locally and internationally, including group and solo shows. In addition to local and international art collectors, several of his works are part of the permanent collections at the National Art Gallery of Maldives and the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan. Afu received the Maldives National Award of Recognition for Visual Arts in 2014. He holds a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Bath Spa University in the UK. He currently lives and works in Malé, Maldives.