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Elizabeth A.Sackler Center for Feminist Art

Madderakka

Mythic, worshipped by the Sami of Scandinavia and Russia, exact dates uncertain

For the Sami people of Scandinavia, Madderakka was the goddess of childbirth, assisted in her duties by her three daughters: Sarakka, Uksakka, and Juksakka. Legend states that Madderakka obtained a soul for each new baby and gave it a body, then Sarakka would place the baby in its mother’s womb. Akka was the general name for female spirits in Sami mythology, Madderakka being the first.

Judy Chicago (American, b. 1939). <em>The Dinner Party</em> (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
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

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