Woman divers at Mikimoto Pearl Island, Japan

[gandalfius]

Watched a demonstration of these women divers known as 'ama' at Mikimoto Pearl Island recently.

The 'ama' once played an essential role in cultivation of pearls but as pearl cultivation technique improved, the 'ama' are no longer needed..the success of pearl cultivation would not have been possible without their contribution (extracted from this website: http://www.mikimoto-pearl-museum.co.jp/en/ama/index.html)

#1 The ama approaching from a boat
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#2 They jump into the freezing water
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#3 Taking a deep breath before diving in
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#4 Diving down under to locate the pearl underneath the sea
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# She got what she found
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**heard that the reason they wear white is to evade sharks :?

[kiankheong]

Gutsy and tough ladies/women who are one of the best in holding their breaths underwater.

Salute to them!

[narrowband]

Thanks for sharing. Really enlightening.

[orionmystery]

I've heard about this. How I wish you had a waterproof camera so you could dive in and show us some u/w pix as well :D

[joyce]

wow...really salute!!

[noordin]

Must be hazardous but the trade has been there for years and years.

[qqmeng]

wear white to evade sharks??