Ama

As women, they were believed to be better suited for the task because of an extra insulating layer of fat on the female body that allowed them to hold their breath longer than the men. With this advantage, they could also make more money in a single diving season than most of the men in their village would make in a year.

The Last Japanese Mermaids by MessyNessy Chic 

Meet the beautiful Japanese Ama women who for two thousand years had the remarkable livelihood of hunting the ocean for oysters and abalone. The photos were taken mid 20th century, by law graduate Iwase Yoshiyuki, who returned to the fishing village where he grew up to capture the dying profession of these incredible women. 

Read the full article here on MessyNessy Chic. I suggest you get yourself a cuppa because this site is very interesting, before you know it you'll be reading about Namibian Rapunzel! 

Stay strong & Surf well

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