Ama - pearl catchers

Watching Travel channel and the cult programme Globe Trekker with Ian Wright, I came across a programme about Japan, where AMA women – pearl catchers – were presented. Inspired by this, I decided to search for some information to introduce you and myself to these amazing women. AMA in Japanese means ‘woman of the sea’

ByMarcin Pawelczyk

Published: December 9, 2010 - 12:12

Updated: February 9, 2023 - 10:37

-- Advertisement --

AMA in Japanese means ‘woman of the sea’ and is commonly identified with a pearl fisher.

The history of women pearl divers goes back more than 2000 years, when local inhabitants of Japanese coastal villages used to dive for food and to provide for their families. Later, pearl fishing emerged as another way for diving women to earn a living. Initially, they collected various types of algae, molluscs and crustaceans at the bottom of the sea, which formed the basis of their daily diet.

The majority of AMAs are female, and why is that? There are two theories to explain this situation. Namely, due to the fact that catching food was associated with purely “kitchen” duties, it was inevitably taken up by women. The second theory is that the physiological structure of women, including the distribution of adipose tissue, means that women are able to dive longer and more effectively in cold water without risking hypothermia. This is extremely important when you consider that the AMA used to dive naked until 1960, then using only a lap band, and now, basic diving equipment such as a mask and sometimes fins.

There is no age barrier for the AMA, with both teenage girls and senior citizens diving, who, because of their experience and skills, are highly regarded in the local community. Many of the principles and techniques of apnea diving have been passed down from generation to generation.

The pearl fisherwomen dive on apnea for up to 60 seconds, and the average depth of the dive varies between 10-20m. Each woman performs dozens of dives a day. AMA women, quite often, suffer from pressure sickness due to the rate of ascent and descent, which oscillates around 1.5 m/s. During the day, between dives, they rest in special huts called Kamado. There they can warm themselves by the fireplace, regenerate and eat before the next series of dives.

Photos: http://library.osu.edu