There have always been many dangers presented to pearl shell divers relating to the collection of pearls. Today, it is but a faint memory of the divers who braved the perils of its depth to bring forth the queen of jewels - the pearl.
At the turn of the last century, the UAE had a reputation for having some of the best natural pearls in the world, as trade with India, Eastern Africa, Persia and other parts of Asia flourished.
The Pearl diver was known as Ghais (in Arabic). Young boys were trained from the age of ten. Gulf Pearlers developed their own diving technique and worked in tandem with 'pullers with strong powerful shoulders'' known as Saibs. These men were responsible for heaving up baskets of oysters, as well as the divers themselves.
Once over the oyster banks, the oars were lashed on one side of the boat, projecting overboard. Two ropes were hung over each oar. One rope had a basket (Dayeen) attached, the other a weight or heavy stone. The weighted rope (hijara) was looped around the ankle of the diver (ghais) to help him sink to the sea bed.
Once in the water, the diver would place a nose peg made of turtle shell, called Ftaam to keep his nostrils closed, whilst working. Most divers also opted to block their ears with wax to protect their hearing.
During the jelly fish season in June, a lightweight cotton suit (Libis) was worn by the divers to protect and prevent serious injury from stings. Attacks from sharks and sawfish also happened from time to time.
In order to submerge, the diver would wrap his toes around his weighted lifeline, give the signal and his Saib would let it out. The diver would then be rapidly pulled, sometimes over 70 feet down. He would then place the Dayeen rope around his neck and swim along collecting as many oysters as he could and place them into the net.
Due to poor vision underwater, divers had to feel their way along the seabed, resulting in their hands being cut on sharp stones, or stung by urchins and poisonous fish.
Most divers adopted the use of small leather finger covers, known as Khubaat, essential to prevent serious cuts.