Mousieon Oikos - Shell Grotto and Umbilical Cord Reliquary

A shell-encrusted grotto holds a brass reliquary containing a piece of withered umbilical cord, visible through glass windows. The sides and pointed roof of the six-sided reliquary are etched and painted with twining blackberry brambles and fruit. The outside of the grotto is covered with small white shells and a line of black and white shells run along the mouth of the grotto, studded with purple cowrie shells. Inside, long twisting shells hang from the roof like stalactites. Purple and orange hued scallop shells line the sides and the back of the grotto shines with sparkling bits of purple glass and where gold leaf that has been applied between the shells. Dried starfish skeletons circle the base which has been carpeted with seaweed.

Porcelain, shells, crushed glass, sand, brass, glass, paint

W. 11 in., H. 13 in. (Shell Grotto) / W. 4 in. x H. 9 in. (Reliquary)

2024