if you happen to stroll along the coast of fort kochi in india you'll probably come face to face with rows of these enormous and complex bamboo contraptions, hanging over the water and (to me at least) resembling huge wooden insects. they're actually called 'cheena vala', or 'chinese fishing nets', and are a permanent fixture around these shores having already been standing in some form or another for centuries following their initial introduction between the years of 1350 and 1450 (or so it claims on a plaque near the nets).
especially when you consider how long ago they were originally designed, the structures themselves are incredible, and fairly effective. a huge net is attached to a 30m long (approx) cantilevered bamboo arm, the back end of which is attached by ropes to a number of rocks which act as an adjustable counterweight. to operate the larger of these nets can take up to 8 men, the majority of whom will raise and lower the rocks in order to raise and lower the net and another 1 or 2 usually walking the length of the beam to further control the net's journey.
unsurprisingly the nets have become a tourist attraction in the area and most people who visit fort kochi return home with at least a couple of photos of the machines. just searching on flickr brings up some great pictures.
below: one of the huge nets being lowered into the water.
below: the net being raised.
some of the nets can be seen on google maps here.
