The "Treasure of the Taichung City Fiber Art Museum," the "Shell Bead Artifacts," has finally made its debut! Today (the 12th), the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the city government held the opening ceremony for the special exhibition "Distant Memories—The Past and Present of Shell Bead Craft" at the Fiber Art Museum. The ceremony was led by Atayal chief Biling Yabu and elder Funei Wadan, who conducted a blessing ritual with the participation of tribal members, accompanied by the sounds of the Jew's harp and traditional songs. The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the exhibition showcases precious shell bead textile artifacts, using 3D holographic images to recreate the complete appearance of shell bead garments from the past. The exhibition will run from today until November 20, and the public is welcome to come and admire these rare treasures!

Commissioner Pan Meijun of the Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that shell bead garments are valuable treasures symbolizing wealth and status among the Atayal people, serving both as currency and as gifts for marriage. In the past, only warriors, chiefs, and women capable of weaving these garments within the tribe could possess them, and they are regarded as family heirlooms by the Atayal people. Among the shell bead artifacts preserved in the Fiber Art Museum, there is one garment made from hemp thread adorned with approximately 83,874 white mother-of-pearl shell beads, which was registered as a "general antique" under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act in 2014.

In addition, in the past two years, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Fiber Museum commissioned the "Living National Treasure" Yu Ma Da Lu, a designated important traditional craftsperson of the Atayal weaving, to lead a research team. Through decoding the materials and production techniques of bead artifacts, this exhibition showcases the excellent weaving craftsmanship of the Atayal people.

Commissioner Pan also expressed gratitude to Teacher Yu Ma Da Lu for his efforts and contributions to the revitalization of traditional culture. He hopes that through the research of the Fiber Museum's precious collection, connections can be established with the historical and cultural heritage of the Austronesian peoples, allowing the Fiber Museum, based in Taichung, to further reach out to the world.

Curator Yuma Daru mentioned that this exhibition also brings together the past research results of the museum on shell bead textiles, showcasing three rare shell bead textile artifacts—shell bead clothing, copper bell clothing, and copper bell accessories. Additionally, nine shell bead textiles, including crowns, belts, and shell bead cloth, have been borrowed from the National Museum of Prehistory in Taiwan for a joint exhibition. Furthermore, a complete set of holographic images of traditional shell bead attire has been specially produced, along with illustrations of the traditional shell bead clothing worn by the Atayal people and contemporary wearing images, complemented by precious documents and photographic records, showcasing the museum's achievements in revitalizing traditional indigenous crafts.

The museum explained that the special exhibition "Distant Memories—The Ancient and Modern of Shell Bead Craft" opened today, followed immediately by a special lecture titled "How Shell Beads Play an Important Role in Human Cultural Development," presented by Japanese anthropologist Professor Akiyoshi Noyama and Professor Wang Yuxin from National Dong Hwa University. In the afternoon, the first workshop was held, teaching participants to use alternative materials to create shell beads, thereby passing on the craft in an environmentally friendly manner. The second workshop will take place on November 16, inviting Australian Indigenous artist Judy Wastan and Professor Lin Sheng-Huo from National Dong Hwa University to share and exchange ideas.

The Cultural Bureau adds that this October marks the sixth anniversary of the Fiber Museum, which is currently hosting the exhibitions "The Faces of Formosa – Classic Taiwan Color Exhibition" and "The 7th Fiber Creation Award Exhibition." The exhibition content is exciting and rich, and the public is warmly invited to participate. For more information on related activities, please visit the Fiber Museum's official website (https://mofia.taichung.gov.tw/) and Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/mofiataichung).

The Cultural Bureau adds that this October marks the sixth anniversary of the Fiber Museum, which is currently hosting the exhibitions "The Faces of Formosa – Classic Taiwan Color Exhibition" and "The 7th Fiber Creation Award Exhibition." The exhibition content is exciting and rich, and the public is warmly invited to participate. For more information on related activities, please visit the Fiber Museum's official website (https://mofia.taichung.gov.tw/) and Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/mofiataichung).