Freediving is sexy

On my journeys through the world wide web, I have just come across a wonderful website about IWASE Yoshiyuki (岩瀬禎之) and his work.

Taken between 1931 and 1964, his pictures are a very rare documentation of the life of Japanese Ama (海女) who most people know as "pearl divers" but where in fact also harvesting seaweed and sponge.



In most documentations and literature about freediving these women are mentioned as an example of how this most natural way of diving is and always was part of harvesting sea goods.

Iwase's collection is not only a stunning historical document but also a proof of how sexy freediving can be. The original idea of mermaids comes to mind when watching these Silver Print photographs.

Unfortunately, today’s Ama are dressed in neoprene and in average 50 to 60 years older than the girls Iwase shot as being an Ama in not really a desirable profession for a young Japanese women.

So check out the side and enjoy the view into a different time and space.

PS: There is a nude section as well but I like the Ama pictures much better. Must have something to do with the goggles...