Oriental Lens 15 – Skin and The Japanese Sea

Beschrijving

Introduction
In ancient Japan, the Ama (あま) were more than just professional divers-they were the keepers of a sacred tradition deeply rooted in culture and spirituality. Without modern diving equipment, these women relied solely on their breath control and years of experience to descend into the frigid waters, harvesting pearls, abalone, and other ocean treasures.
Before wetsuits became common, Ama traditionally dived naked, wearing only a waistcloth (koshimaki, こしまき) or a simple white linen garment. This was not just for ease of movement but also as a spiritual practice-a way to become one with the sea. In ancient beliefs, the closer one was to nature, the more they could receive the blessings of the ocean deities.