June 23-Sept. 2
Shell work has been an important part of culture for various ethnic groups around the world, and dates back 70,000 to 100,000 years. Through the craft, shells, which were also used to make tools, gained a special artistic and decorative value.
Looking at the social and cultural history of our relationship with shells, this exhibition presents 160 works — from Oceania, Africa and Asia — all selected from the National Museum of Ethnology collection, which currently houses more than 340,000 artworks.
Exhibits include ceremonial masks, costumes and decorative items that often signified social status.
The Museum of Modern Art, Hayama; 2208-1 Isshiki, Hayama-machi, Miura-gun, Kanagawa. Zushi Stn. 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. ¥1,200. Closed Mon. 046-875-2800; www.moma.pref.kanagawa.jp/en
