Shima

Shima is a peninsula of intricate inlets and islands facing the Pacific. Its women divers, known as ama, gathered abalone and other seafood from the surrounding waters. In ancient times Shima supplied marine produce to the court, and its offerings were also connected with Ise Shrine. Tradition tells that the diver Oben offered abalone to Princess Yamatohime, who established a custom of presenting the shellfish to the shrine.