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Arab pearl divers at work, 1903
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Arab pearl divers at work, 1903
Arab pearl divers at work. As a result of long practice, they are able to remain underwater for some minutes, during which time they collect the pearl oysters from the ocean bed. Date: 1903
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Media ID 7184941
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10527554
Arab Collect Divers Diving Oysters Pearl
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from 1903, a group of Arab pearl divers are seen at work in the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. The men, dressed in traditional white robes and headdresses, are submerged in the ocean, their bodies gracefully gliding through the water as they search for pearl-bearing oysters on the ocean floor. Pearl diving was an essential part of the Arabian economy and culture for centuries. The divers, who were often trained from a young age, were able to remain underwater for several minutes at a time due to their long practice and exceptional breath-holding abilities. The divers would search for oysters, which were often hidden in crevices or buried in the sand, and carefully pry them open with a sharp tool. The pearl industry was a labor-intensive and risky endeavor. Divers would often work in teams, with one man staying on the surface to keep watch for sharks and other predators. Once an oyster with a pearl was found, it would be transported to the surface in a woven basket, where it would be carefully opened and the pearl extracted. The pearls were highly prized for their beauty and rarity, and were often used as currency or traded with other countries. The pearl diving industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the Arabian Peninsula, and helped to establish the region as a major player in the global pearl trade. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, when pearl diving was a vital part of the daily life and livelihood of the people of the Arabian Gulf. It is a testament to their skill, determination, and the rich cultural heritage of this ancient and fascinating region.
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