Maat
This small figure represents Maat, goddess of truth and justice, and embodiment of an ideal world in equilibrium. She is depicted in her typical position, seated on the ground with her knees pulled up. Traces on top of her head suggest that she originally wore an ostrich feather, signifying her name.
Small Maat figures are known as part of larger compositions, where they are usually situated in front of an ibis, as a depiction of the god Thoth. Thoth was the god of writing and wisdom and was therefore closely connected to Maat. This piece shows no evidence that it originally had a tang at the bottom to place it into such a composition, though the small Maat could have rested in a depression or been placed on a small stool. It is also noteworthy that high officials are sometimes depicted wearing a small Maat figure hung around their neck to signify that their conduct is just.
Despite the small size of the figure, the face is very nicely modelled and bears very faint remains of gold, showing that it was originally gilded.
Small Maat figures are known as part of larger compositions, where they are usually situated in front of an ibis, as a depiction of the god Thoth. Thoth was the god of writing and wisdom and was therefore closely connected to Maat. This piece shows no evidence that it originally had a tang at the bottom to place it into such a composition, though the small Maat could have rested in a depression or been placed on a small stool. It is also noteworthy that high officials are sometimes depicted wearing a small Maat figure hung around their neck to signify that their conduct is just.
Despite the small size of the figure, the face is very nicely modelled and bears very faint remains of gold, showing that it was originally gilded.
Artwork Details
- Title: Maat
- Period: Third Intermediate Period–Late Period
- Date: ca. 1070–332 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Copper alloy with traces of gilding
- Dimensions: H. 3.3 × W. 1.9 × D. 2.4 cm (1 5/16 × 3/4 × 15/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
- Object Number: 10.130.1302
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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246–222 B.C.
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ca. 1990–1900 B.C.
ca. 1550–1295 B.C.
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