Xavier Romero-Frias - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Uploads

Papers by Xavier Romero-Frias

Located south of China and extending from Pakistan to the Philippines,South and Southeast Asia is... more Located south of China and extending from Pakistan to the Philippines,South and Southeast Asia is a vast region.The nations and ethnic groups of Southern and South Eastern Asia have a rich and varied cultural heritage.Food habits are an inseparable part of this heritage and certain ways concerning food and its preparation,as well as the ceremonies or rituals surrounding it,give whole nations and groups an identity that can be as important as dress or 1anguage.

In the low, lush tropical coral islands of the Maldive Atolls, villages were located in the middl... more In the low, lush tropical coral islands of the Maldive Atolls, villages were located in the middle of the island. Owing to their independent spirit, Maldivians used to build their homes in a haphazard way about the island. Thick coconut groves and other vegetation encircled the human settlements, so that no house would be seen from the sea. The only constructions with a 'beach view' would be makeshift sheds for boatbuilding or boat-repair and lonely 'ziyāraiy' shrines. Nowadays, owing to a very high birth rate and a drastic reduction of the mortality rate, some islands have become overpopulated. Naifaru and Hinnavaru (Fādippoḷu Atoll) and Kandoḷudu (Māḷosmaḍulu Atoll), the latter abandoned after the 2004 tsunami, are examples of islands completely covered by homesteads.

The Maldives are mainly known as an equatorial tourist paradise to the south of India but some wi... more The Maldives are mainly known as an equatorial tourist paradise to the south of India but some will know the archipelago risks drowning owing to global warming. Far less is known about the people, ...

Kulturaustausch, 2019

An abridged history of the Maldives

Feature on TIP, 2020

The legends of the Maldives from the man who wrote them down. An interview with Xavier Romero-Frias

Maldives Insider Travel and Tourism, 2018

Which trees were growing in the Maldives before the islands were populated according to local ora... more Which trees were growing in the Maldives before the islands were populated according to local oral tradition. How did the islands look like?

Reflections on Maldivian society, including a story told by a Maldivian and an interview

The destruction of the archaeological remains of Maldivian ancient history at the National Museum... more The destruction of the archaeological remains of Maldivian ancient history at the National Museum in Male’ in February 2012 was planned and methodical. The irreplaceable over 9 centuries old coral stone pieces, remnants of the Buddhist period were systematically vandalized. The paper exposes the organized nature of the destruction and the protection of the culprits as well as the Islamic Foundation of Maldives, an enigmatic para-governmental entity that encouraged the vandals.

'Rules for Maldivian Trading Ships', the translated document that forms the first part of the pa... more 'Rules for Maldivian Trading Ships', the translated document that forms the first part of the paper is a twelve-page manual published by the Royal House on the rules that were to be followed by Maldivian oceangoing ships while on their yearly trading trip to “the continent” (kara). Kara referred primarily to the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the foreign place that Maldivian traders found most convenient to reach. This trade originated in most major islands of the archipelago in the past, including Minicoy (Maliku), but was vital for the communities living in the atolls located at the southern end of the chain. The second part of the paper includes the translation of a personal account by an old Maldivian trader about his experiences in and around Gali (Galle, Sri Lanka), the description of conditions in the harbour and an inland town in Ceylon, as well as the friendships he established there with local people.

A Secular Maldives, Dec 29, 2016

Following the February 2012 political turmoil that overthrew President Nasheed a group of Maldivi... more Following the February 2012 political turmoil that overthrew President Nasheed a group of Maldivians destroyed the ancient Buddhist archaeological remains preserved in the National Museum in the capital Male'. A copy of a leaflet that was distributed in the preceding months among Maldivians is analyzed here. No effort was made from the part of the Maldivian authorities at the time to prevent the spread of viewpoints that predictably led to the irreparable destruction.

The Maldives is the only nation-state of South Asia that is exclusively oceanic and coralline. Th... more The Maldives is the only nation-state of South Asia that is exclusively oceanic and coralline. The country comprises a system of atolls, islands, lagoons and reefs as well as the surrounding sea. Since the amount of land is minimal, the ocean traditionally provided most of the daily sustenance as well as valuable export products for hundreds of small and closely-knit communities. From the physiographical point of view the only other area of South Asia that has extensive affinities with the Maldivian archipelago is the Lakshadweep, one of the Union Territories of India. The Chagos group located to the south of Maldives is also part of the coral island chain, but is now uninhabited. Both the Maldives and the Indian Union Territory of Lakshadweep share common geographic features as well as ―to some degree― social, economic and religious patterns.

Exploring the possibilities of social anthropology in Maldives will provide an exceptional opport... more Exploring the possibilities of social anthropology in Maldives will provide an exceptional opportunity to form the basis for the development of academic relationship with the other countries of South Asia on future research. Such studies could include cooperation between educational institutions in the Maldives and already established researchers of the society of the Maldivian archipelago and neighbouring island and coastal communities.

Liyelaa, May 30, 2015

Nils Finn Munch-Petersen, a Danish scholar, is nothing less than a real pioneer as regards the re... more Nils Finn Munch-Petersen, a Danish scholar, is nothing less than a real pioneer as regards the research on Maldivian culture. Although modern studies on the Maldives had been set in motion by British colonial officer H.C.P. Bell, who visited the islands in the late 19th and the early 20th century, they remained incomplete. Eventually, over four decades would pass before someone would again travel to the islands with a plan to fill the void. Nils first arrived in Male’ in January 1974 and became the first person in recent times to begin methodical research on the Maldivian people. In the decades that followed he carried out extensive studies on the Maldives and Minicoy. Uncannily, it was as if he had opened a door, for other researchers such as Clarence Maloney would follow almost right away. Having a deep and accurate understanding of Maldives, he has sobering things to say about the current state of the country.

Liyelaa, May 15, 2015

There were hardly any references to the Maldives in academic works after HCP Bell’s visit to the ... more There were hardly any references to the Maldives in academic works after HCP Bell’s visit to the country at the beginning of the 20th century. Bell’s work was not widely circulated and the country was ignored by scholars until the last quarter of the century. I was curious to know about the reasons that made someone go to the Maldives during the years of obscurity. Clarence Maloney, an anthropologist from the USA and the writer of People of the Maldive Islands, is one of the few researchers of Maldivian culture who broke the long academic silence that weighed on the archipelago. He made three visits to the Maldives between 1974 and 1976.

Liyelaa, May 9, 2014

French ethnologist Bernard Koechlin (1928–2007) was one of the earliest persons doing serious res... more French ethnologist Bernard Koechlin (1928–2007) was one of the earliest persons doing serious research about the Maldives. He came to the country in 1976 as a member of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Since he didn’t know the language I assisted him translating Maldivian poetry in the early 1980s. Koechlin implored Maldivian authorities to promote their own cultural heritage, which he rightly saw as under threat. But Maldivian officials were not interested and he died in 2007 without seeing any success in his endeavor.

Liyelaa, May 1, 2014

Information about the old flags of the Maldives was hard to come by. The article explores some of... more Information about the old flags of the Maldives was hard to come by. The article explores some of the known flags and their uses in the royal compound, in certain landmarks and in ceremonies.

Introduction to Fisheries Science, EDC, Ministry of Education, Male'. 1988, ISBN 999 15-0-0251, Sep 3, 1988

Drawing sample illustrating tuna life cycle

Located south of China and extending from Pakistan to the Philippines,South and Southeast Asia is... more Located south of China and extending from Pakistan to the Philippines,South and Southeast Asia is a vast region.The nations and ethnic groups of Southern and South Eastern Asia have a rich and varied cultural heritage.Food habits are an inseparable part of this heritage and certain ways concerning food and its preparation,as well as the ceremonies or rituals surrounding it,give whole nations and groups an identity that can be as important as dress or 1anguage.

In the low, lush tropical coral islands of the Maldive Atolls, villages were located in the middl... more In the low, lush tropical coral islands of the Maldive Atolls, villages were located in the middle of the island. Owing to their independent spirit, Maldivians used to build their homes in a haphazard way about the island. Thick coconut groves and other vegetation encircled the human settlements, so that no house would be seen from the sea. The only constructions with a 'beach view' would be makeshift sheds for boatbuilding or boat-repair and lonely 'ziyāraiy' shrines. Nowadays, owing to a very high birth rate and a drastic reduction of the mortality rate, some islands have become overpopulated. Naifaru and Hinnavaru (Fādippoḷu Atoll) and Kandoḷudu (Māḷosmaḍulu Atoll), the latter abandoned after the 2004 tsunami, are examples of islands completely covered by homesteads.

The Maldives are mainly known as an equatorial tourist paradise to the south of India but some wi... more The Maldives are mainly known as an equatorial tourist paradise to the south of India but some will know the archipelago risks drowning owing to global warming. Far less is known about the people, ...

Kulturaustausch, 2019

An abridged history of the Maldives

Feature on TIP, 2020

The legends of the Maldives from the man who wrote them down. An interview with Xavier Romero-Frias

Maldives Insider Travel and Tourism, 2018

Which trees were growing in the Maldives before the islands were populated according to local ora... more Which trees were growing in the Maldives before the islands were populated according to local oral tradition. How did the islands look like?

Reflections on Maldivian society, including a story told by a Maldivian and an interview

The destruction of the archaeological remains of Maldivian ancient history at the National Museum... more The destruction of the archaeological remains of Maldivian ancient history at the National Museum in Male’ in February 2012 was planned and methodical. The irreplaceable over 9 centuries old coral stone pieces, remnants of the Buddhist period were systematically vandalized. The paper exposes the organized nature of the destruction and the protection of the culprits as well as the Islamic Foundation of Maldives, an enigmatic para-governmental entity that encouraged the vandals.

'Rules for Maldivian Trading Ships', the translated document that forms the first part of the pa... more 'Rules for Maldivian Trading Ships', the translated document that forms the first part of the paper is a twelve-page manual published by the Royal House on the rules that were to be followed by Maldivian oceangoing ships while on their yearly trading trip to “the continent” (kara). Kara referred primarily to the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the foreign place that Maldivian traders found most convenient to reach. This trade originated in most major islands of the archipelago in the past, including Minicoy (Maliku), but was vital for the communities living in the atolls located at the southern end of the chain. The second part of the paper includes the translation of a personal account by an old Maldivian trader about his experiences in and around Gali (Galle, Sri Lanka), the description of conditions in the harbour and an inland town in Ceylon, as well as the friendships he established there with local people.

A Secular Maldives, Dec 29, 2016

Following the February 2012 political turmoil that overthrew President Nasheed a group of Maldivi... more Following the February 2012 political turmoil that overthrew President Nasheed a group of Maldivians destroyed the ancient Buddhist archaeological remains preserved in the National Museum in the capital Male'. A copy of a leaflet that was distributed in the preceding months among Maldivians is analyzed here. No effort was made from the part of the Maldivian authorities at the time to prevent the spread of viewpoints that predictably led to the irreparable destruction.

The Maldives is the only nation-state of South Asia that is exclusively oceanic and coralline. Th... more The Maldives is the only nation-state of South Asia that is exclusively oceanic and coralline. The country comprises a system of atolls, islands, lagoons and reefs as well as the surrounding sea. Since the amount of land is minimal, the ocean traditionally provided most of the daily sustenance as well as valuable export products for hundreds of small and closely-knit communities. From the physiographical point of view the only other area of South Asia that has extensive affinities with the Maldivian archipelago is the Lakshadweep, one of the Union Territories of India. The Chagos group located to the south of Maldives is also part of the coral island chain, but is now uninhabited. Both the Maldives and the Indian Union Territory of Lakshadweep share common geographic features as well as ―to some degree― social, economic and religious patterns.

Exploring the possibilities of social anthropology in Maldives will provide an exceptional opport... more Exploring the possibilities of social anthropology in Maldives will provide an exceptional opportunity to form the basis for the development of academic relationship with the other countries of South Asia on future research. Such studies could include cooperation between educational institutions in the Maldives and already established researchers of the society of the Maldivian archipelago and neighbouring island and coastal communities.

Liyelaa, May 30, 2015

Nils Finn Munch-Petersen, a Danish scholar, is nothing less than a real pioneer as regards the re... more Nils Finn Munch-Petersen, a Danish scholar, is nothing less than a real pioneer as regards the research on Maldivian culture. Although modern studies on the Maldives had been set in motion by British colonial officer H.C.P. Bell, who visited the islands in the late 19th and the early 20th century, they remained incomplete. Eventually, over four decades would pass before someone would again travel to the islands with a plan to fill the void. Nils first arrived in Male’ in January 1974 and became the first person in recent times to begin methodical research on the Maldivian people. In the decades that followed he carried out extensive studies on the Maldives and Minicoy. Uncannily, it was as if he had opened a door, for other researchers such as Clarence Maloney would follow almost right away. Having a deep and accurate understanding of Maldives, he has sobering things to say about the current state of the country.

Liyelaa, May 15, 2015

There were hardly any references to the Maldives in academic works after HCP Bell’s visit to the ... more There were hardly any references to the Maldives in academic works after HCP Bell’s visit to the country at the beginning of the 20th century. Bell’s work was not widely circulated and the country was ignored by scholars until the last quarter of the century. I was curious to know about the reasons that made someone go to the Maldives during the years of obscurity. Clarence Maloney, an anthropologist from the USA and the writer of People of the Maldive Islands, is one of the few researchers of Maldivian culture who broke the long academic silence that weighed on the archipelago. He made three visits to the Maldives between 1974 and 1976.

Liyelaa, May 9, 2014

French ethnologist Bernard Koechlin (1928–2007) was one of the earliest persons doing serious res... more French ethnologist Bernard Koechlin (1928–2007) was one of the earliest persons doing serious research about the Maldives. He came to the country in 1976 as a member of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Since he didn’t know the language I assisted him translating Maldivian poetry in the early 1980s. Koechlin implored Maldivian authorities to promote their own cultural heritage, which he rightly saw as under threat. But Maldivian officials were not interested and he died in 2007 without seeing any success in his endeavor.

Liyelaa, May 1, 2014

Information about the old flags of the Maldives was hard to come by. The article explores some of... more Information about the old flags of the Maldives was hard to come by. The article explores some of the known flags and their uses in the royal compound, in certain landmarks and in ceremonies.

Introduction to Fisheries Science, EDC, Ministry of Education, Male'. 1988, ISBN 999 15-0-0251, Sep 3, 1988

Drawing sample illustrating tuna life cycle

, Apr 10, 2003

Divehi Akuru (Ancient Maldivian Script). Volume One. The second volume was never published.

The book contains eighty traditional stories of the Maldives. Most were formerly part of the oral... more The book contains eighty traditional stories of the Maldives. Most were formerly part of the oral tradition and have been put into writing for the first time.

Mahl primer from Minicoy. Second volume

The Works of Hani Amir, Mar 5, 2015

Hani Amir: A review and an excerpt from Xavier Romero Frias' first book, 'The Maldive islanders',... more Hani Amir: A review and an excerpt from Xavier Romero Frias' first book, 'The Maldive islanders', a monograph on Maldivian ethnography

Dots on the map, Mar 10, 2013

Asian Review of Books, May 23, 2013

The Maldives are today best-known as a collection of resorts populated by tourists rather than an... more The Maldives are today best-known as a collection of resorts populated by tourists rather than an indigenous people with a unique culture and long traditions. Spanish author-anthropologist Xavier Romero-Frias collected the 80 folk-tales presented here over a period of 28 years and in so doing reveals that there is considerably more to the Maldives than a spot for wealthy visitors from other lands.

Sydasien, Nov 6, 2012

Den katalanske lingvisten och religionshistorikern Xavier Romero-Frias bodde under en längre tid ... more Den katalanske lingvisten och religionshistorikern Xavier Romero-Frias bodde under en längre tid på Maldiverna, där han lärde sig det lokala språket divehi och skriftspråket taana. Under sin mer än 20 år långa vistelse på öarna och under resorna från ö till ö insamlade och översatte han en mängd folksagor från maldiviska till engelska. Nu utges 80 av berättelsena på förlaget Nias press, som tillhör Nordisk Institut for Asiensforskning i Danmark.

Journal of Folklore Research, Indiana University U.S.A., Feb 18, 2013

Maldives Information Culture, Mar 30, 2008

New Asia Books, Dec 1, 2013

As with most topics that concern the South Asian archipelago country of the Maldives, traditions ... more As with most topics that concern the South Asian archipelago country of the Maldives, traditions of orality, story-telling and folk tales have been little investigated. The comparative remoteness and small scale, the dispersion of the inhabited islands over a vast expanse of the Indian Ocean (with few and/or difficult travel links between many of those islands), as well as the relative scarcity of materials assisting a foreigner in the acquisition of the national language (Dhivehi) are doubtless some of the reasons for the paucity of scholarly literature in languages other than Dhivehi.

Maldivian American Friendship Society website, Mar 23, 2013

Maldives Culture, Nov 2000

National Geographic, 2020

Article in Thai about the Maldivians as seafarers of the Indian Ocean. Based on an interview by ... more Article in Thai about the Maldivians as seafarers of the Indian Ocean.
Based on an interview by Tang Moochinda

The Edition, 2019

Legends of Maldivian schools by Fathmath Shaahunaz

Some things about the exhibition Heritage through Folk • • It is based on the remarkable work of... more Some things about the exhibition Heritage through Folk •

• It is based on the remarkable work of Xavier Romero-Frias.
• All 4 Partners of Oevaali Art Shop will be exhibiting.
• We have chosen 7 amazing local artists to exhibit with us.
• 100% of the earnings of the original paintings goes to the artist.
• ALL-NEW Oevaali Art Shop products will be launched at the exhibition.
• All paintings and products on display will be available for purchase.

A publication oriented seminar on Sociology and Social Anthropology in South Asia: Histories and ... more A publication oriented seminar on Sociology and Social Anthropology in South Asia: Histories and Practices scheduled to be held at South Asian University, New Delhi, on 12 December 2015. Adjourned to 12 March 2016.

Haveeru News, Mar 6, 2014

Xavier Romero-Frias, the Spaniard who loves Maldives' culture, resides now in Thailand. He arrive... more Xavier Romero-Frias, the Spaniard who loves Maldives' culture, resides now in Thailand. He arrived to the Maldives in 1979. "Male' was a very quiet place then. The streets were unpaved and there were very few vehicles. The houses of high-status families were low and cool with large swingbeds inside or in the verandah. Most had silent courtyards shaded by large trees. People were very calm in their demeanor," he recalled.

Maldives Finest, Mar 2015

It was 1979. Xavier Romero-Frias was just 25. He left the military and went to Sri Lanka on a mis... more It was 1979. Xavier Romero-Frias was just 25. He left the military and went to Sri Lanka on a mission to explore the world. The next destination on his plan was Malaysia. But then it was this Maldivian he met that changed not just his tour, but his whole life as well. Saeed Abdulla was working in a cargo boat and he met Xavier in one of the trips to Sri Lanka. He introduced Maldives to Xavier and it didn’t take long before he got convinced to change his course.

NIAS Inside, Sep 29, 2014

The Guardian reports that new laws are being implemented in the Maldives to restrict the local pu... more The Guardian reports that new laws are being implemented in the Maldives to restrict the local publication and distribution of material supposedly offensive to Islam. (Some observers see other motives by the new, increasingly authoritarian government.)
When we were contacted about this by the Guardian, suddenly it all made sense why we have had great difficulties getting a rather lovely collection of folk tales of the Maldives by Xavier Romero-Frias made available inside the country. In every case there has been friendly interest by a potential local agent followed up by silence, stubborn silence.

Banning of scholarly books in the Maldives has been one of the policies of the regime since 1978.

The Guardian, Sep 25, 2014

In a move condemned by free speech advocates, the islands’ government moves to curb literature an... more In a move condemned by free speech advocates, the islands’ government moves to curb literature and poetry’s ‘adverse effects on society’.

A list of which books to read on a holiday in the Maldives. The first book on the list is forbidd... more A list of which books to read on a holiday in the Maldives. The first book on the list is forbidden by the Maldivian regime.

New regulations enacted yesterday will subject the publication of prose and poetry in the Maldive... more New regulations enacted yesterday will subject the publication of prose and poetry in the Maldives to government approval. The stated purpose of the regulations is “ensuring that literature published or made public in the Maldives fit Maldivian laws and regulations as well as societal norms”. The rules are aimed at “reducing adverse effects on society that could be caused by published literature.”

Maldivians share a great sense of family; men, women and children come together in the preparatio... more Maldivians share a great sense of family; men, women and children come together in the preparation of food, decoration and entertainment during the planning of festivals. Celebration in Maldives will witness the blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Parades during festivals and days of national importance also play a vital role in city life. Intensely proud of their nations, Maldivians proudly bring out there national flag during the parades.

Haveeru News, Mar 5, 2014

Sometimes it takes one outside observer to translate and articulate the esoteric bonds between a ... more Sometimes it takes one outside observer to translate and articulate the esoteric bonds between a particular place's culture, history and food. A. J. Liebling did this, in his own inimitable way, in Between Meals: An Appetite for Paris. More recently, Naomi Duguid did the same in her excellent cookbook Burma: Rivers of Flavor.

Maldivian American Friendship Society, Nov 28, 2012

Today's Maldivian proverb comes with thanks to Xavier Romero-Frias, a noted expert in Maldivian c... more Today's Maldivian proverb comes with thanks to Xavier Romero-Frias, a noted expert in Maldivian culture and folklore, for providing its translation and meaning.

Cornell Blogs, Dec 16, 2013

The traditional elegant, natural friendly Maldivian housing architecture before taking a leapfrog... more The traditional elegant, natural friendly Maldivian housing architecture before taking a leapfrogging change in design before modernization. Builders Maldives. 2010 The history of planning in the Maldives is quite unique because it does not have an abstruse history. Despite a short period of British protection, the country has always been an independent state throughout its years of existence.

Xavier Romero-Frías recopila los cuentos de las islas Maldivas. Ásia, Literatura el 13 febrero, 2... more Xavier Romero-Frías recopila los cuentos de las islas Maldivas. Ásia, Literatura el 13 febrero, 2013 por Roge Blasco Xavier Romero-Frías (Barcelona, 1954), lleva 33 años en Asia, repartidos entre las Maldivas, el sur de la India y, en los últimos tiempos, en Chiang Rai en el norte de Tailandia, donde se ha asentado. Ha dedicado buena parte de su vida al estudio de las lenguas del subcontinente indio y a recopilar las tradiciones de las islas Maldivas a las que ha dedicado tres extensas obras. Llegó a