Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art (MCCA)

“In this work Máttaráhkká, the goddess, Máttaráhkká is portrayed in the center in the form of a brass sculpture. Also surrounding her are symbols from tradition Sámi patternmaking which show the sun and the moon. As you can see the sun and the moon are inverted images of each other, which show the eternal bond between night and day, dark and light. Around her Sámi people gather from all over Sámpi. The imaged have been retrieved from archives and date from the 19th to early 20th century. These photographs were taken by the first travellers or anthropologists coming to Sápmi with a camera. Máttaráhkká is the Mother of earth and it is from her that all life comes. This is why the reideer is also portrayed around the Sámi. The reindeer is a lifeblood for the Sámi and has been an important part throughout history. Máttaráhkká has three daughters: Sáráhkká, Juksáhkká and Usháhkká. These three sisters help the Sámi in their daily lives. Everything from hunting to childbirth. But it is for Máttaráhkká that we give thanks for life and the land.”