Showers on her Kings barbaric pearl and gold.”
Milton.
The benevolent Bishop of Chiapa, Mexico, Bartolome de las Casas, came forth as the protector of the Indians in the cruel times of their oppression. On their behalf he crossed the Atlantic sixteen times, and he tells of the hellish tortures to which they were subjected by their Spanish conquerors: “Nothing,” says this good man, “nothing could be more cruel and more detestable.” (“Brevissima Relacion de la Destruccion de las Indias,”1539). The story he writes of the Indian pearl divers is a sad one; as soon as the diver came up from the depths the brutal overseer, scarcely allowing him time to breathe the pure air, beat him savagely and compelled him to go down again. His food was poor and scanty, and Mother Earth his bed; his glossy black hair turned prematurely gray, his lungs became diseased, he spat blood freely and the ravenous shark ended his tragic life on earth. The natural result of greed and oppression practically exhausted these fisheries from the neighborhood of which the ancient kings of Mexico drew so much wealth. Indeed, it was the sight of the poor natives adorned with ropes of pearls which excited the cupidity of the first Spaniards who adventured to their shores. There being no provision made for the protection of the oysters in this fishery, it “gave out” almost entirely towards the end of the 17th century. An idea of the magnitude of these fisheries (which included the ancient grounds between Acapulco and the Gulf of Tehuantepec on the West Mexican coast, and the Caribbean Sea by the islands of Coche, Cubagua, and Margarita) can be gathered from the value of the export to Europe up to the first half of the 16th century. The annual value exported was stated to exceed 800,000 Spanish dollars, those famous “Pieces of Eight” which bring us back to the time of “Treasure Island” and the buccaneers of the Spanish Main. As much as 700 lbs. weight of pearls was sent to Seville in the year 1587, amongst them, it is stated, being specimens of rare worth and beauty. Fine quality pearls are still found at Panama and the Gulf of Mexico. The poor progress of these fisheries is said to be due to the wretched pay offered to the Indian and negro divers in the past. It is a strange fact that progress and prosperity are gained only by the pursuance of an enlightened policy towards employees, and this is nowhere so clearly indicated as in the history of the pearl.
Pearls from the Persian Gulf are amongst the most esteemed of the present day. The fisheries of the Great Pearl Bank extend along the West from Ras Hassan half way up the Gulf. To the Eastern no pearl is so beautiful and full of colour as the pearl from the Persian Gulf. The colour is very enduring and improves by being worn next the skin—especially of a person whose jewel it is. The Ceylon fisheries have not been yielding so well of late years, but with wisdom will no doubt regain their old place. The main oyster bank is near Condatchy, about twenty miles from the shore. Twenty men, ten of whom are divers, under a tindal or captain, comprise the crew of each boat. The divers are quick and expert at their work, and although remaining under water seldom more than a minute, have been known to bring to the surface as many as 150 shells. The pearl diver’s greatest dread is the ground shark, and all the time the boats are out the conjurer, termed the “Binder of Sharks” or “Pillal Harras,” stands on the shore muttering prayers and conjurations. The divers wear also a pearl about their bodies as a charm against their dreaded enemy. The beautiful island of Ceylon—the Taprobane of the old Greeks and Romans and the Serendib of the Arabian Nights—is itself shaped like a great drop pearl and is believed by the Indians to be a “part of Paradise.”
Perfectly round and fine lustre pearls are called by the Ceylonese “Annees,” next in grade are called “Annadaree.” Irregular pearls of lesser lustre are called “Kayarel,” generally known amongst us as “Baroques.” Pearl-shaped inferior specimens are called “Samadiem,” those duller and irregular are termed “Kallipoo,” a poorer grade again is known as “Koorwell,” and the lowest type is “Pesul.” Small seed pearls are known as “Tool.”
Kleopatra’s famous pearls no doubt came from the Red Sea fisheries which are believed to have been the property of the Egyptian rulers. The Western Australian fisheries, especially those at Broome and Shark’s Bay, are yearly becoming of greater importance and value, although judicious and scientific means should be taken to prevent these valuable fields from sharing the fate of some of the older ones. The fisheries at Thursday Island and Northern Australia are important and the author was told that pearls were discovered in New Guinea through a sailors’ row with the natives, who pelted the offending lugger with pearl-bearing shells which, when broken on the decks of the vessel, revealed their precious prizes. The remarkable Town of the Nymphs near the Japanese city of Ishinomonsky on the Pacific coast, obtains its name from the women who support their families by diving for pearls. It is a place of many centuries old and the nymphs begin their strenuous work at the age of 14, continuing until they are 40. Pearl shells abound in Sebiam Bay and the work of the nymphs occupy 10 hours a day in summer time. The length of each immersion is from 2 to 3 minutes. When the baby girl is four years of age she is taken to the sea and taught to swim and dive. These lessons continue until the time comes for the serious practice of the pearl seekers’ profession. This work is all done by women whilst the men attend to the training of the children and the duties of the household.
Mention may also be made of the River fisheries of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and various parts of Europe where the pearls found are as a rule not of great importance, although it is stated that Sir Richard Wynn of Gwydyr, Chamberlain to Catherine, wife of Charles II, sent a pearl from the river Conway in North Wales as a present to the Queen, which pearl is today in the King of England’s crown. In Wales these river pearl shells are called by the poetic name Cregin y Dylu, shells of the Flood.
The gradual replacement of naked divers by those in diving dress may tend to make the yields more effective, but the work is not without its dangers, the toiler beneath the sea having still to meet the challenge of its denizens—the shark, the diamond fish and the deadly octopus.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchantman seeking goodly pearls.”
Book of Matthew.