HDH-VKD-13 | Collection of artefacts, Vaikaradhoo Island Office

An object (HDH-VKD-13-SO1) referred to locally as vahuthaanu was traditionally used in times of pandemic or catastrophe. For example, during a bad fishing season or when a deadly disease spread through the island. A vahutaanu would be hung from the tallest palm tree on the island to ward off misfortune. Other rituals such as spells and black magic were also sometimes performed toward similar ends. This vahuthaanu is at least a hundred years old. It was already in use when I started working in the office, and the previous Chief used the same vahtaanu on occasion.

MHS Site No.: HDH-VKD-13
Interlocutor: Abdulla Ali
Interviewer: Mohamed Shamran
Date: 27 February 2020
Atoll: Haa Dhaalu
Island: Vaikaradhoo
Address: Dhooriyaage