Chinese Fishing Nets

"The Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi, Kerala, are iconic and a symbol of the region's maritime heritage. These massive fishing nets are locally known as "Cheena vala" or "Cheenavala" in Malayalam, which translates to "Chinese net." Believed to have been introduced to Kochi by Chinese traders during the 14th century, the nets are fixed land installations used for fishing. Each net is made of wooden poles and ropes, and they are operated manually by a team of fishermen. The design is unique, resembling large hammocks or cantilevered structures, with large nets suspended from wooden frames. The operation of these nets is quite fascinating. The fishermen raise and lower the nets into the water using a system of counterweights. It's a labor-intensive process that requires coordination and strength. Once the nets are lowered into the water for a certain duration, they are raised again, hopefully containing a catch of fish or other seafood trapped within."

"Originally introduced by Chinese traders to the Kochi coastline in the 14th century, these massive fishing nets are suspended from bamboo and teak poles, creating a unique and intricate mechanism used for fishing. The Chinese fishing nets have become a symbol of the city's maritime heritage. The nets are operated manually by a team of fishermen, who rhythmically lower and raise them into the water to catch fish and other marine species."