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Dive compressor

Date1950-1990

Object number00045015

NameDive compressor

MediumMetal

DimensionsOverall: 95 x 380 x 295 mm, 20000 g

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the George Family and Adrian Jackson

Terms

DescriptionSelf-taught pearl cultivator Denis George used this compressor to provide air while diving for pearl shells. To cultivate pearls, divers collect shells from sea beds and bring them to the pearl farm (boat or wharf) for seeding. The shells are opened, a nucleus is inserted inside, then the shell is closed and returned to the sea for anywhere between 6 months and 6 years - usually suspended in baskets attached to a buoy. If successful, the mollusc secrets nacre around the nucleus and a pearl is formed.