Memorial to women who died in childbirth

Throughout the world, and throughout the ages, women have died in connection with childbirth. This was also the case in the Faroe Islands, where travelling and infrastructure made it difficult to get emergency help in case of complications during labour. Most families know of stories from their past about the loss of women due to childbirth, and how these tragedies have affected their family history for generations. Times have changed, also in the Faroe Islands, which is now a modern society with good infrastructure; but the stories of women lost have helped shape our people and are worth remembering.

As in most other countries, there are many memorials in the Faroe Islands, but none commemorating the women who gave their lives for future generations.

In 2018, a working group was established with the goal of getting a memorial commemorating women, who had died in childbirth. Three women initiated the project: Brynhild Næs Petersen, culture coordinator of Fuglafjørður municipality, Anne Mette Greve Klemensen, minister of Fuglafjørður church, and Poulina Abrahamsen, midwife.

An international open call was issued, inviting artists to submit proposals for a memorial, which Guðrið Poulsen, ceramic artist, won with her idea for Karyatida. Karyatida is inspired by the Caryatides known from Greek mythology and architecture, and represents the strength of a supporting column or pillar.

Made from clay and fired at Tommerup Ceramic Workshop in Denmark, Karyatida stands five metres tall and weighs four tonnes.

Karyatida was erected in the central park of Fuglafjørður and was unveiled on 17 December 2023.

The memorial was financed through public and private donations from around the country.