Tuesday 18 September 2012

Taphophile Tragics


The Japanese section of Broome Pioneer Cemetery. A lot of pearl divers are buried here. They used to dive wearing heavy metal helmets and weighted boots. It was extremely dangerous work and many died.

This is an entry in Julie's Taphophile Tragics meme.

7 comments:

Dina said...

This looks like an interesting cemetery section even without your additional information. It is sad to think men died an awful death just to get pearls.

Joan Elizabeth said...

This looks very interesting and very Japanese. I guess I didn't realise how many Japanese were there.

biebkriebels said...

It is an industry that doesn't exists anymore? I remember from the past photos in magazins, but I never hear about it anymore now. It must have been an awfull way to die.

SeaThreePeeO said...

Such a beautiful picture. So sad that many died in such an awful way.

Beneath Thy Feet

Julie said...

Yes, I have wandered through the Broome cemetery. Historical cemetery, or some such name, from memory. They died a long way from home, with no family around them, when family was important to them.

Yes, a particularly repulsive way to go. Good shot. I did not get anywhere near as many headstones in my shots.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Great depth in this shot Ann, really gives a good idea of just how many Japanese pearl divers perished this horrible way.

Halcyon said...

Interesting cemetery. It looks quite crowded though. Do you think there are still living relatives for many of these families?