Oldest order of female divers
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The Ama (海女) divers (sea people) of Japan have been diving for food and pearls for 2,000 years. Traditional Ama divers wear only a loincloth (isogi) and no diving equipment. The isogi is white to ward off sharks and bad luck. Today, it is worn mostly for tourists while others dive with masks, fins, and even a wetsuit. Ama divers are also known as Uminchu (Okinawa), and Kaito (Izu Peninsula).
In South Korea, the Haenyo (sea women) of Jeju Island took over diving from the men in the 18th century because they were exempt from a new tax. Many became the biggest earners in their families while the men stayed at home to take care of the children. Some have made small fortunes diving for high-priced abalone and conch. Unfortunately, the Haenyo may become part of Korean folklore in the near future. In 1950, the number of Haenyo was about 30,000 on Jeju. In 2003, there were only 5,650 and 85% were over 50 years old.
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Unlike South Korea's Haenyo, Ama divers include a few men although the vast majority are women.
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