Brooklyn Museum: Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art: The Dinner Party: Heritage Floor: Asherah

Judy Chicago (American, b. 1939). The Dinner Party (Heritage Floor; detail), 1974–79. Porcelain with rainbow and gold luster, 48 x 48 x 48 ft. (14.6 x 14.6 x 14.6 m). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © Judy Chicago. Photograph by Jook Leung Photography

Asherah
Mythic, worshipped by Semitic peoples of Syria and Israel, beginning circa 1200 B.C.

Scholars generally agree that Asherah is identical to Athirat, the mother goddess worshipped in the ancient city of Ugarit (in Syria). Asherah/Athirat, known as "she who treads on the sea," was the partner of El, the supreme god. Hebrew women baked small cakes in the form of Asherah which were then blessed and eaten. This practice was the original source for the communion wafer used in Catholic services.

Related Place Setting

Ishtar

Related Heritage Floor Entries

Amat-Mamu
Anahita
Anath
Aphrodite
Arinitti
Ashtoreth
Astarte
Baranamtarra
Blodeuwedd
Cerridwen
Cybele

Encheduanna
Hannahanna
Hathor
Iltani
Inanna
Isis
Kubaba
Shibtu
Shub-Ad of Ur
Tanith

Last updated January 29, 2007.
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Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art The Dinner Party: Heritage Floor: Asherah

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art
The Dinner Party: Heritage Floor: Asherah