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The Brooklyn Museum

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




signature image

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

Makeda
Flourished circa 950 B.C., Ethiopia

Makeda is the Ethiopian name for the Queen of Sheba, an ancient kingdom mentioned in both the Old Testament and the Qur'an that was probably located around modern-day Ethiopia or Yemen. Said to be very wealthy, she heard that King Solomon of Israel was very wise so she traveled to Israel with many gifts with the intention of questioning him herself. The Old Testament relates that Makeda was impressed and blessed Solomon's kingdom; he reciprocated with gifts. Makeda may or may not have had an affair with or even wed King Solomon, but the royal family of Ethiopia does claim a lineage that traces back to both of them.

Related Place Setting

Hatshepsut

Related Heritage Floor Entries

Bel-Shalti-Narrar
Dido
Hashop
Khuwyt
Lucretia
Mama Oclo
Mentuhetop
Naqi'a
Nefertiti
Nicaula

Nitocris
Nofret
Phantasia
Puduchepa
Rahonem
Semiramis
Tanaquil
Tetisheri
Tiy

Last updated January 29, 2007.
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