Pearl Fishing in Bahrain: new evidence from the archaeological collections and archives

New archaeological and archival evidence from Bahrain reveals the profound historical significance of pearl fishing, shedding light on its role as a cornerstone of the island's economy and the Gulf region. Excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Pearling Testimony of an Island Economy' uncovered rare artefacts, including Hellenistic to Parthian period jewellery from the Tylos Period, alongside groundbreaking findings from the Early Islamic era. Notably, a major installation built around a submarine spring (Al Sayah) on Muharraq Island provided unprecedented insights into pearl-fishing techniques and practices during this period. Additionally, the study draws from an unparalleled archive of primary documentation housed at the Bahrain National Museum, offering a comprehensive narrative of both ancient and more recent pearling activities.

Carter, R. (2024). Pearl Fishing in Bahrain: new evidence from the archaeological collections and archives. Arabian Humanities, 19. https://doi.org/10.4000/1243p