The book delves deeply into the rich history and cultural significance of Bahrain’s pearling industry. It kicks off with an homage to the late Amir of Bahrain Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It encompasses contributions from various scholars, writers, and poets, praising Bahrain’s historical ties to the sea, noted for its once-thriving pearl diving industry. It explores the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of pearling, emphasizing its crucial role before the discovery of oil, and details the extensive preparations and processes of pearl diving, the grueling conditions faced by the divers, and the meticulous procedures involved in collecting and valuing. pearls.
The book also explores the legacy and craftsmanship behind pearl jewelry, presenting notable pieces made by renowned Bahraini jewelers alongside modern creations adapted from traditional designs. The narrative is enriched with nostalgic poetry, providing an emotive glimpse into the lives of those connected to the pearl industry. The history of Bahrain’s attempts to adapt and navigate through various economic changes, especially the impact of the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls, further illustrates the resilience and enduring cultural heritage of Bahrain’s pearling tradition.
Celebrating the life and times of the pearl divers, their sailing stories, the transformation of these precious cultural gems from pluck to polish by the jewelers who crafted them into works of art, the book elegantly captures this glorious journey in abundant photographs and QR activated songs . This collector’s must have, is a testament to Bahrain’s enduring legacy, as an international center of the pearling industry.
