Fijiri Handcarved Box by Studio Inaãra
Fijiri serves as our tribute to Qatar's pearl diving legacy. The Firiji songs, sung by boatmen guiding divers to the sea, featured rhythms and melodies tailored to their work pace, facilitating synchronization and efficient breathing underwater. Passed down through generations, these songs were intrinsic to Qatar's pearl diving communities' cultural heritage.
The work of pearl divers was rigorous and perilous. Equipped with minimal diving gear, often just a nose clip and weighted rope, they plunged into the sea, relying on their breath-holding abilities to collect oysters from the ocean floor. These divers were renowned for their remarkable free-diving skills, reaching depths of up to 30 meters or more without the aid of modern scuba equipment. Revered for their bravery, expertise, and resilience amidst the sea's perils, they epitomized the essence of Qatar's maritime tradition.
For this beautiful hand carved box, we drew inspiration from one of Qatar's oldest symbols—the Pearl Monument—erected to honor this rich heritage. Our design incorporate elements symbolizing the dhow boat and the perils of the sea encountered by these brave men while diving in the Arabian Gulf