Secrets of the Nahham profession: Psychotherapist and diving ship captain
Maritime heritage occupies an exceptional place in the collective memory of the Arabian Gulf states, where the sea served as a lifeline and primary source of livelihood for centuries before the discovery of oil. At the heart of this human saga, the role of the "Nahham" (pearl diver) stands out as one of the most important pillars of pearl diving expeditions, transcending his role as merely a singer of traditional songs and chants to become a central figure in managing the human and psychological energy aboard the ship.
The hidden face of the pearl diver: A psychotherapist at sea
In a conversation that reveals the depth of this profession, the renowned singer Ahmed Bahr highlighted the unseen dimensions of the singer's role, describing him as the sailors' primary "psychotherapist." Bahr emphasized that the role extends beyond mere entertainment and enjoyment, becoming a safeguard for the crew's mental well-being. His voice serves as a precise instrument for releasing negative energy, improving mood, and absorbing the immense physical and mental strain the sailors endure amidst the turbulent sea and the isolation of long voyages that can last for months.
The importance of this role is evident in a historical fact pointed out by Bahr, which is that sailors used to ask about the identity of the singer accompanying the trip before asking about the “Nakhuda” (captain of the ship); this is because they believed that the singer was the only source of moral support and motivation that relieved them of the burden of alienation and the hardship of continuous work in harsh climatic conditions.
Historical context: Work pace and productivity
Historically, pearl diving expeditions were not merely adventures, but rather a rigorous economic system reliant on collective physical effort. Herein lies the crucial role of the "field leader" (Nahham), who guides the physical labor through specific rhythmic techniques. Every movement on the ship has its own rhythm, chanted by the Nahham; for example, the "Khatfa" technique, used when raising the sails to unify the drag, and the "Yamal" and "Dawari" techniques, which coordinate the collective effort.
This synchronized vocal and kinetic rhythm was essential for transforming physical fatigue into productive energy, especially on large traditional vessels like the "bateel," which carried between 30 and 40 sailors living in confined spaces. The singer's voice was the "maestro," regulating the rhythm of the oars and ropes, ensuring the crew's safety and the speed of the work.
Diving seasons and the importance of human sustainability
The pearl diving seasons in the Gulf vary, but the vital role of the pearl diver (Nahham) is paramount during the "Ghawas al-Awad" (Great Diving) season, which lasts for four months and ten days at the height of summer. Compared to shorter seasons like "Ghawas al-Mina" or individual "Ghawas al-Azazil," the Nahham is an indispensable element of survival on long voyages, helping the sailors overcome potential psychological breakdowns resulting from exhaustion and separation from their families.
Today, the art of Al-Nahma is viewed not only as popular folklore, but as an integral part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the ability of the Gulf people to adapt art to serve work and life, and their ability to withstand harsh nature through solidarity and collective spirit, of which Al-Nahham was the faithful guardian.
