The Works of Hani Amir

Art Log

Posts in Maldivian Culture
Dhivehi Demons
Dhivehi Demons

Some poster concepts for the series of illustrations I’ve been working of imaginary Dhivehi Demons. Here we have: Fashion Fureytha, Gas Venfunna, Dhunthari Kokaa, Siyaasee Fureytha, Liyelaa Makunu, and the Matriarch. Although inspired by dhivehi folklore and culture I must be clear that these beings are imaginary in the sense that they come from my mind. They are not “real” in that they are not demons from the scraps of folklore that we have recorded. I do not trust the gatekeepers of Dhivehi folklore. So as a Dhivehi person born and raised I am going to make my own folklore. I refuse to keep regurgitating the same old crap. The same few government approved legends that have been so warped through the ages that we can hardly comprehend what they were meant to be. These are also not djinn. Our belief in Djinn is a result of Arab colonisation. All our demons, monsters, and beings, became Djinn so that they would fit into the new belief system. These demons are older.

Digital Art, Maldivian CultureHani AmirProcreateComment
Gas Venfunna (Tree Blenny)

As the sun sets, the Gas Venfunna climb up into the canopy, where they wait. Under the cover of darkness, they drop down onto the shoulders of unsuspecting passers by. They then crawl up into the nostrils and lodge themselves inside the sinus cavity, where it secretes a mucus that causes its victim to lose consciousness. The crafty Gas Venfunna then lays its microscopic eggs and retreats back into the ocean, leaving its victim none the wiser. | Part of my pantheon of imaginary Dhivehi monsters and beings | Digital | (2022)

Digital Art, Dhivehi Art, Fish, Maldives, Maldivian Culture, NatureHani AmirProcreateComment