Pearl Diving Tools

Diving was an integral aspect of the economic life in the Arabian Gulf before discovery of oil. It was a seasonal profession. The job of the diver was to extract pearls from the sea-bed. The income from the sale of pearls helped the divers to buy essential commodities for daily living. Diving trips were organized as per as various seasons, timings and diving patterns.

Emirates Post has issued a set of special stamps on the most important tools used in diving, in coordination with the Department of Culture and Information, Government of Sharjah. Also for the first time, a limited number of unique souvenir sheets has been issued, featuring a half pearl placed in the corner of each stamp.

Sea Rock

A conical lead mass or a stone, weighing around 10 pounds. It is tied to the diver’s toe in order to help him dive faster.

Diver’s Outfit

The diver’s out fit consists of a shirt and trousers made of light cloth. It is used to protect the diver’s body.

F’ttam

A nose clip made of goat horn or turtle crust and used by the diver to prevent water from entering his nose.

Al Khabet

It is a leather cover used to protect the diver’s fingers from the sharp corners of oyster shells when they are picked from the sea-bed.

Al Dayeen

A basket made of thick fiber with a wooden hoop at the top. It is usually hung around the diver’s neck for storing the oysters.