Traditionally, in Japan, women who dove for pearls, shell fish and other sea food were called "Ama". It was predominantly a female profession. The word Ama means "sea woman," literally and it is a Japanese tradition that dates back some 2000 years...if you ever get the chance watch the documentary "Ama Girls," a 1958 short documentary film produced by Ben Sharpsteen. It won an Academy Award at the 31st Academy Awards in 1959 for Documentary, Short Subject. It is also kown as "Japan Harvests the Sea."
The images (Ama in action). I believe these are by Fosco Maraini, from his book The Island of the Fisherwomen (1962). The top photo was featured in National Geographic magazine recently.
For a great article and video:
Japan’s ‘ama’ free divers keep their traditions by Anne McDonald on May 7, 2010
Other videos about the Ama are available on www.YouTube.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Tall Tales, Short Tales, Fish Tales...I'd Love To Hear From You!