Overview
This lecture explores Ma’at, a foundational concept and goddess in ancient Egyptian (Kemet) culture, symbolizing truth, justice, order, and balance in the cosmos, society, and personal conduct.
Ma’at: Concept and Symbolism
- Ma’at represented order, truth, justice, and cosmic balance in ancient Kemet (Egypt).
- Ma’at was personified as a goddess, often depicted with an ostrich feather or with outstretched wings.
- The feather of Ma’at symbolized truth and justice and became the hieroglyph for these concepts.
- Associated as the daughter of the sun god Ra and linked to other deities like Thoth.
Role in Society and Religion
- Kings and rulers were expected to uphold Ma’at to legitimize their authority.
- Rituals included offering a small figure of Ma’at to chief temple deities to demonstrate the king's righteousness.
- Judges and officials wore images of Ma’at to show their commitment to fair judgment.
- Violations against Ma’at included jealousy, gluttony, laziness, injustice, and ungratefulness.
- The pharaoh's role was to maintain Ma’at and resist chaos within the kingdom.
Ma’at in Daily Life and Cosmology
- Ma’at was viewed as the foundation of the universe and Egyptian society.
- Seen as responsible for natural order—changing seasons, movement of stars, and harmony between gods and people.
- Belief in duality (order/chaos, male/female) was central to Egyptian worldview.
Ma’at and the Afterlife
- In judgment after death, a person’s heart was weighed against Ma’at’s feather to determine worthiness for the afterlife.
- The Book of the Dead describes the "42 Declarations of Purity" as ethical principles tied to Ma’at.
- If the heart was lighter or equal to the feather, the soul was justified; if heavier, the soul was destroyed.
Historical Changes and Legacy
- Ma’at was central from the Old Kingdom but lost importance in the Greco-Roman period.
- Her system was threatened during periods of foreign rule but restored after liberation.
- The principles of Ma’at influenced later religious and ethical systems, like the 10 Commandments.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ma’at — Concept/goddess symbolizing truth, justice, and cosmic order in ancient Egypt.
- Ostrich Feather — Symbol of Ma’at and hieroglyph for truth.
- Pharaoh — Egyptian king, considered responsible for upholding Ma’at.
- Book of the Dead — Egyptian funerary text with spells and guidance for the afterlife.
- 42 Declarations of Purity — List of ethical principles tied to Ma’at.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the 42 Principles of Ma’at for deeper ethical understanding.
- Read the Book of the Dead sections on final judgment for context.
- Reflect on the role of order and ethics in ancient societies.