Farasan, Pearl diving, once a lifeblood of Farasan’s economy and society, has left an undeniable mark on the islands’ tradition.
This age-old practice, whereby men braved the depths in pursuit of fortune, has profoundly shaped the region’s culture and traditions.
The month of May used to mark the start of the pearl-diving season, typically lasting three to four months. It would coincide with the summer months, when pearl harvests were most plentiful.
Ship owners would inspect their vessels for seaworthiness. Sailors’ families back home would not be forgotten: provisions would be stocked to last through the husbands’ absence.
Sailors ventured out to oyster beds, with diving tasks divided into five-day cycles. The first four days’ haul belonged to the diver, while the fifth day’s bounty went to the ship owner.
Divers would use weights on their feet to descend over 12 meters under water. A lifeline would connect them to their surface support who helped them ascend. In return for hauling the divers back up,
these assistants would receive a share of the collected oysters.
Diving would commence daily after sunrise, continuing until noon, followed by a rest period. The afternoons would be dedicated to the laborious task of prying open the oysters, each diver assessing his day’s catch.
Pearl merchants would use seven copper sieves, each with progressively smaller holes, to sort large pearls from the smaller ones. Scales and other instruments would ensure accurate measurement of the precious cargo’s value.
The demanding and often dangerous nature of pearl diving gave rise to the unique art form of “Al-Dana” folk singing. This melancholic genre, born from the depths of the sea, served as an outlet for the sailors’ longing for home and loved ones, becoming a defining element of Farasan’s cultural heritage.
Farasan’s pearl trade thrived, driving economic prosperity before the arrival of cultured and synthetic pearls. Today, pearl diving is an inseparable part of the islands’ history and cultural identity, testament
to the resilience and resourcefulness of its people.
Source: Saudi Press Agency