Bahrainthismonth.com November 2024 35 including nose clips made from tortoiseshell and finger protectors, these divers would plunge into the depths of the sea, sometimes up to 30 metres, to retrieve oysters from the seabed. They faced numerous dangers, from drowning to encountering dangerous sea creatures, yet they were crucial to the success of the industry. Divers often came from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and despite their critical role, they earned modest wages compared to the merchants. In addition to the divers, each pearling vessel, or sambuk, had a captain known as a nakhuda, as well as a crew that assisted with the ship’s operation. The nakhuda played an important role in managing the diving expeditions, navigating the seas and ensuring that the operations ran smoothly. Pearling trips, known as ghous, typically lasted for several months during the pearling season, from June to September, when the waters were calm, and weather conditions were favourable. The 19th and early 20th centuries are often referred to as the Golden Age of Bahrain’s pearling industry. During this period, Bahrain was one of the world’s leading producers of natural pearls. The British, who had established a protectorate over Bahrain in the early 19th century, helped Bahrain gain access to new markets in Europe and India, further boosting the industry’s prominence. Pearling was the dominant economic activity in Bahrain, employing a significant portion of the population. Entire towns and villages along the coast were sustained by the pearling industry, and the fortunes of many Bahraini families were built upon the trade. The wealth generated by pearling brought not only prosperity to Bahrain but also a rich cultural heritage, reflected in the art, music and traditions of the island. In the early 20th century, European jewellers like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels became major clients of Bahraini pearls, recognising their exceptional quality. These global connections elevated Bahrain’s status as a pearl producer, and its pearls adorned the crowns and jewels of royalty across the world. Despite its longstanding success, Bahrain’s pearling industry began to decline in the early 20th century, largely due to two major factors: the introduction of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil. In the 1920s, Japanese entrepreneur Mikimoto Kōkichi perfected the technique of cultivating pearls in oyster farms, producing pearls that were more affordable and readily available than natural pearls. This revolutionised the global pearl market, leading to a sharp decline in demand for natural pearls. Bahrain’s pearling industry, which had thrived on the exclusivity and rarity of its natural pearls, could not compete with the mass production of cultured pearls from Japan. At the same time, Bahrain discovered oil in 1932, which shifted the focus of the economy away from pearling. The oil industry quickly became the dominant source of revenue for the island, and many former pearl divers and traders transitioned into the oil sector. The discovery of oil brought modernisation and industrialisation to Bahrain, further accelerating the decline of traditional industries like pearling. Though the pearling industry in Bahrain has long since diminished, its legacy continues to influence the country today. The story of Bahrain’s pearling past is preserved through cultural landmarks, museums and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Pearling Trail, recognised by UNESCO in 2012, offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s pearling history, with sites ranging from traditional diving centres to merchant houses and ancient oyster beds. Pearling remains an integral part of Bahrain’s cultural identity, celebrated in festivals, art and folklore. The pearl continues to symbolise Bahrain’s heritage, representing the island’s connection to the sea and its history of resilience, trade and craftsmanship. Today, while oil has replaced pearls as Bahrain’s main source of wealth, the memory of the pearling era lives on, reminding the world of the island’s rich maritime tradition. jewellery INTERESTING FACT By law, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, you can only sell natural pearls. The importing of cultured pearls is not permitted.
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