The History and Prehistory of Pearling in the Persian Gulf

Carter, R.A.

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis and synthesis of historical and archaeological data on pearl fishing in the Persian Gulf. The history of pearling in the region is reviewed, from the earliest possible references to the mid 20th century. Economic data from the 18th�20th centuries CE is analysed in detail, to de fine the economic course of the pearling industry during that time, and assess the impact on human settlement in the region. The archaeological data for pearl fishing are then examined, from the 6th millennium BCE onwards, and compared to the historical evidence. The results of archaeological survey in the Abu Dhabi islands region are then taken as a case study, and changes in settlement patterns are related to the historical trajectory of the pearling industry. It is observed that the regional economy became overwhelmingly dependent on the pearl trade in recent centuries, and was increasingly subject to the demands of the global market.

Citation

Carter, R. (2005). The History and Prehistory of Pearling in the Persian Gulf. Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient, 48(2), 139-209. https://doi.org/10.1163/1568520054127149

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Apr 8, 2009
• Journal: Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient
• Print ISSN: 0022-4995
• Electronic ISSN: 1568-5209
• Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 139-209
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/1568520054127149
• Keywords: Pearls, Pearl fishing, Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1591869