Bahrain: The Art of Pearling: Exploring Bahrain’s Cultural Heritage

The Art of Pearling: Exploring Bahrain’s Cultural Heritage

Multicultural Curriculum - Bahrain - by Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

The experiences offered at my Bahraini school usually make me go to work with extra excitement. One activity that stands out during celebrations like National Day is the opportunity for students to open real oysters and discover (or try to!) pearls inside. It’s a moment of discovery, fun, and curiosity that teaches students about Bahraini cultural heritage. Pearl diving has been a significant source of income and a cornerstone of Bahraini culture for centuries. But what exactly are pearls, and why are they such an important part of Bahrain’s identity? Let’s explore!

Where do the pearls come from? How are they produced?

Pearls come from oysters in the Persian Gulf, where Bahrain has a rich history of pearl diving. They are formed when an irritant, like a grain of sand, enters an oyster, prompting it to secrete layers of nacre around it, eventually creating a pearl.

Why do some pearls have more value than others? Which ones are more rare?

The value of a pearl depends on several factors, including its size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, and origin:

1. Size: Larger pearls are generally more valuable because they are rarer and take longer to form.

2. Shape: Perfectly round pearls are highly prized as they are more difficult to find. However, unique shapes (baroque pearls) can also be valuable for their individuality.

3. Color: Natural pearls come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, pink, silver, and even black. Rare colors, such as golden or deep blue, can significantly increase a pearl’s value.

4. Luster: The shine and reflective quality of a pearl’s surface, called luster, is one of the most critical aspects of its value. Pearls with a brilliant, mirror-like surface are more prized.

5. Surface Quality: Pearls with fewer blemishes or irregularities are more valuable.

6. Origin: Natural pearls (found in the wild) are much rarer and more valuable than cultured pearls (grown under controlled conditions). Bahraini pearls, for instance, are natural and renowned for their exceptional quality and heritage, making them highly sought after.

   
   
   
   

Most Rare Pearls:

The natural pearls are the rarest because they form without human intervention. Among them, conch pearls, Melo pearls, and the traditional Persian Gulf pearls (like Bahraini pearls) are some of the rarest and most valuable in the world. Their rarity stems from the diminishing number of wild oysters and the difficulty of harvesting them sustainably.

Why can we find this variety in Bahrain?

Bahrain’s waters are ideal for pearl production due to their unique combination of temperature, salinity, and the presence of certain types of oysters, making the pearls here among the most valued and lustrous in the world.

How was the pearl-picking process in the past?

In the past, pearl divers in Bahrain would dive deep into the Gulf waters with minimal equipment, relying on skill and endurance to collect oysters by hand. It was a challenging and dangerous job, requiring teamwork and great expertise, often lasting months at a time.

How is it now?

Today, the pearl industry in Bahrain is regulated to preserve natural resources. Modern methods focus more on sustainable practices, and Bahrain is known for high-quality, natural pearls, often harvested under controlled conditions to maintain the region's heritage and ecosystem.

Living The Pearl Picking Experience

Our school received the company @bahrain_oysters, and gave the chance to students open their own oyster and try to find one inside. Of course I had to try my luck, but unfortunately I could not find anything! But some of the students and our school counselor found many!

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Back to the Art Room: What do we do?

This lesson is was the first one of the National Day week, and it is essential for my students to learn about clay modeling, color mixing and natural heritage. Through storytelling, students will uncover the legacy of pearl diving—a profession that shaped the livelihoods of many in Bahrain for centuries.

As they learned about the natural beauty and cultural significance of pearls, they also discovered how art can help preserve and celebrate traditions. By the end of this project, the students created a unique piece of art and also developed an appreciation for the heritage that makes Bahrain so special. Bahraini students felt appreciated and all my expat students went home bringing a memory of the lovely country that they are living in now.

If you are feeling inspired by the magic of the Bahraini pearls, take a look at the full lesson below:

Lesson Plan: Pearls of Bahrain: Art Inspired by Heritage

Grade Level: 3rd - 4th Grades

Duration: Two 50-minute sessions

Lesson Objectives:

1. Students will learn about Bahrain's pearl diving history and cultural significance.

2. Students will create a clay oyster with a painted pearl inside, exploring textures and color mixing.

3. Students will reflect on how art can preserve cultural heritage.

Resources and Materials:

• Air-dry clay or oven-bake clay

• Acrylic paints (pearl colors like white, cream, silver, pink)

• Brushes, sponges for texture

• Reference images of oysters and pearls

• A short video or slideshow on Bahrain’s pearl diving history

• Small beads or round items to simulate pearls

Instructions:

Day 1:

1. Introduction (10 min):

   • Show a video about Bahrain’s pearl diving history.

   • Discuss the process of finding pearls and their cultural importance.

2. Clay Modeling (30 min):

   • Demonstrate how to shape an oyster shell using clay, focusing on texture and natural forms.

   • Encourage students to create an open shell design where they can place a “pearl” later.

3. Drying (10 min):

   • Let the clay creations dry (or bake if using oven-bake clay).

Day 2:

1. Painting (20 min):

   • Teach students how to mix colors to achieve pearlescent effects for their pearls and realistic textures for the oyster shell.

2. Reflection and Display (20 min):

   • Once dry, arrange a display of all the pieces and have students share what they learned about pearl diving.

   • Discuss how this connects to Bahraini culture and why preserving traditions is important.

I try my best to encourage everyone to reflect about how to deliver a culturally responsive lesson. And I believe this one is a good example, considering that honors Bahrain’s cultural heritage by teaching students about pearl diving, a tradition that shaped the country’s identity. It connects students to their history through hands-on exploration, fostering pride in local traditions while helping them understand the value of preserving cultural narratives. Combining art with cultural education, the lesson promotes an understanding of Bahraini heritage, allowing students to reflect on their roots creatively and meaningfully.

I hope you all enjoyed!

Ms. Mila