Rhythms of the Sea: Pearl Divers of the Gulf & Their Music
Pearl Diving in the Arabian Gulf: A Brief History
From the mid-18th until the early 20th century, the pearl industry constituted a major part of the economy in the Persian Gulf, aka the Arabian Gulf. The sea was at the heart of life in the region, with 90% of the male population across Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar working as fishermen, shipbuilders, sailors or pearl divers. In fact, it’s estimated that by the latter half of the 19th century, “60,000 people, almost the entire population of the Arabian Gulf, stretching from Kuwait along Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman were involved in pearling.”
Pearl diving was seasonal: taking place between June and September during what was known as “Ghous al-Kabir”. It was dangerous and labor-intensive work, with crews embarking on four month-long voyages.
The industry’s decline in the early 20th century was due to the invention of cultured pearls in Japan.
Music & Pearl Diving: Fijiri Music
Music was an integral part of the pearl diving culture, punctuating daily activities on the boat: every captain would hire a nahaam (singer) whose only responsibility was to sing. The crew would accompany their song with percussion instruments. This kind of music is called “Fijiri music” and its main purpose was to energize, motivate and encourage the crew members.
One of the most captivating aspects of Fijiri music is how its sound and rhythms mirror the laborious work of pearl divers. Though the pearl industry has waned, its musical tradition lives on, becoming an essential part of the region’s cultural heritage.
afikra Lesson Plan
High-school teachers looking to include content about the Arab world in their lessons can use afikra’s classroom resource. Rhythms of the Sea: Pearl Diving in the Arabian Gulf sheds light on this captivating world and its accompanying musical tradition called Fijiri. By delving into this resource, teachers can help students develop understanding about the significance of music, rituals, and cultural identity within the context of the rich cultural traditions of the Arab world. This resource includes informational slides that are ready for classroom use, thought-provoking readings, stimulating discussion questions, and student activities – all designed to help students develop an enduring understanding of the role Fijiri music played in the lives and work of pearl divers.
This lesson plan encourages students to reflect on the melodic tones, rhythmic patterns, and lyrical content of Fijiri songs, thus beginning to draw connections between the music and the underwater world of pearl divers. We hope this exploration will enable them to appreciate the profound connection between art and human experiences, as well as the unique ability of music to reflect the realities of a specific occupation.
Exploring the story of Fijiri music over time offers a fascinating lens through which students can analyze societal changes and cultural shifts. They will uncover how Fijiri music's function transformed from being a practical means of coordination among divers to a celebrated cultural tradition and heritage. Through this transformation, students will gain insights into the dynamic.
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Hamed Gohar — “King of the Red Sea” — was featured as a Google Doodle on November 15, 2023, to mark what would have been his 115th birthday. We were curious to learn more about his contributions to marine biology and pioneering work as a much-loved TV presenter.