An the heart of Egyptian civilization, Maat embodies a fundamental concept reflecting order, truth, justice and universal harmony. It represents much more than a simple idealization of social and religious ethics; it is the pillar on which the stability of the entire universe rested, both in the daily life of the ancient Egyptians and in their vision of the beyond. This notion of Ma'at highlights how the ancient Egyptians valued balance and order in all aspects of their existence, making justice and harmony the cornerstones of their society.
In this article, we will explore the origins and symbolism of Ma'at, its inextricable relationship with the cosmic order, its profound influence on Egyptian society, as well as its essential role in the concept of the afterlife. Through the sections dedicated to the origins and symbolism of Ma'at, to its role in the cosmic order, in society, and finally, in the afterlife, we will discover the teachings that ancient Egypt has bequeathed to us on the necessity to maintain balance and harmony in our world.
Origins and symbolism of Maat
The mythological birth of Maat
Maat is closely linked to Egyptian cosmogony, where she is described as the daughter of Ra, the sun god and creator. This association illustrates its fundamental role in the cosmic and social order. According to mythology, Maat was born from the god Ra at the beginning of creation, a period marked by the emergence of the world from the primordial waters of Nun. The presence of Maat from the first moments of creation underlines its importance as an ordering and stabilizing principle. 1.
The iconographic representation of Maat
Ma'at is depicted anthropomorphically, often in the form of a woman, which is typical for personified abstract concepts in Egyptian art. She is usually dressed in the long clingy dress of the goddesses and wears traditional jewelry. Its most iconic representation includes an ostrich feather on its head, symbolizing lightness and justice. This iconography is not only decorative but reinforces the role of Maat as a symbol of balance and harmony. 2.
The meaning of the ostrich feather
The ostrich feather, or the feather of Maat, is a powerful symbol in Egyptian culture. It is used during the ritual of weighing the heart in the afterlife, a decisive moment when the souls of the deceased are judged. If the heart of the deceased is as light as a feather, it means that he lived a life in accordance with the principles of Maat. This feather is not chosen at random; its symmetry and its ability to be disrupted by the slightest breath of air perfectly illustrate the concepts of equity and sensitivity to disorder, essential to the Egyptian cosmic and social order 3.
Maat and the cosmic order
The role of Maat in the creation and balance of the cosmos
Maat, in Egyptian mythology, is essential to the creation and maintenance of cosmic balance. She is described as the daughter of Ra, the sun god and creator, emphasizing her central role in the cosmic and social order 4. Maat is seen as the universal standard established by the Creator, embodying the balance, justice, and order necessary to conform actions to the law 4. Its influence is so profound that the pharaoh's first duty is to enforce the law of Ma'at throughout Egypt, illustrated by depictions on the walls of temples where the pharaoh makes the offering of Ma'at to a deity 4.
Maat and the fight against chaos
Maat is the direct opposite of Isfet, which represents chaos, injustice and disorder. The role of the pharaoh, as the archetypal Egyptian priest, includes promoting the order of Ma'at and repelling Isfet. This involves governing the kingdom with righteousness and combating the forces of chaos, which are sources of gross iniquity. 5The Pyramid Texts describe this royal responsibility as a duty to "bring back Maat and repel Isfet," highlighting the duality of royal action in governance and in maintaining cosmic and social order. 5.
Maat and Heka, Egyptian magic
Maat is closely linked to Heka, the deity of magic, who plays a crucial role in maintaining cosmic and social order. Heka, represented as a force for influencing the course of events, is seen as the support of humanity and the gods, as well as the universe itself 6. This magic, called Heka, is seen as an essential component of life and death, influencing destiny and allowing interaction with creative divine forces. 6. Heka's role alongside Maat reinforces the idea that cosmic balance and harmony are maintained through a combination of divine justice and magic. 6.
Maat in Egyptian society
Ma'at's influence on justice and law
In ancient Egypt, Maat was not limited to a religious or mythological concept; it also embodied the basis of legislation and justice. As the daughter of Ra, Maat guided the pharaoh, who was the sole lawgiver. The laws he promulgated were inspired by divine wisdom, aiming for the common good and social harmony. These laws, preserved in the archives under the supervision of the vizier, were applied to all without distinction, thus reflecting the universality and equity of Maat 7. This integration of Maat into the legal system underlines its fundamental role in the regulation of social order and the equitable distribution of resources, particularly during periods of famine when the pharaoh opened the granaries to ensure the survival of the people. 7.
Maat and the social hierarchy
Egyptian society was deeply stratified, but each stratum had a role to play according to the principles of Ma'at. Respect for these principles by everyone, from the pharaoh to the artisans, guaranteed social and cosmic harmony. Teachings and wisdom texts, such as those written by Pharaoh Khety, clearly articulated these expectations. They did not present the pharaoh as an infallible divine being, but rather as a responsible leader who must maintain Maat to ensure the stability of society and cosmic order. Respect for Maat by each individual was crucial for the survival of the community and the prosperity of the kingdom. 7 2.
The role of the pharaoh as guarantor of Maat
The pharaoh, as the son of Ra and representative of the gods on Earth, had the primary mission of maintaining the order of Maat. This responsibility was evident in his daily duties, which included divine worship and supervision of justice. The pharaoh was seen not only as the master of justice but also as the guarantor of the balance between men and the gods. Through rituals and decrees, he ensured that Maat was respected, thus ensuring the stability and integrity of the state. The magistrates, under his authority, proclaimed their conformity to Maat, thus affirming their legitimacy and their capacity to administer justice fairly. 8 9.
Maat in the afterlife
The weighing of the heart and the judgment of the dead
In ancient Egypt, the weighing of the heart was a crucial step in judging the souls of the deceased. The heart, left in the body during embalming, was considered the seat of the deceased's conscience and memories. On the scale, the heart was placed on one plate facing an ostrich feather, symbol of Maat, on the other plate. If the heart was in balance with the feather, this indicated that the deceased had lived a life in accordance with the principles of Maat and could thus access the afterlife 1011. Otherwise, the heart was devoured by Ammout, the devourer of the dead, thus symbolizing a failure to live according to justice and truth. 11.
The negative confession
Negative confession was a practice where the deceased had to declare before a court of forty-two judges that he had not committed certain faults during his life. This declaration, often recorded in the Book of the Dead, was crucial to being deemed worthy of joining the afterlife. The non-committal of these faults, listed in the confession, was essential to prove adherence to the values of Maat and avoid the consequences of Isfet, disorder and injustice. 312.
The symbolism of Maat in funeral rites
Maat played a strong symbolic role in Egyptian funeral rites. His feather, used in weighing the heart, was chosen for its perfect symmetry, representing fairness and justice. This feather was also sensitive to the slightest disorder, illustrating the fragility of the balance between good and evil. Illustrations of these rites often show Maat near the scales, overseeing the judgment, or next to Osiris, affirming her essential role in the process of judging souls. 13.
Conclusion
Throughout the centuries, Maat embodied the principles of balance, truth, and justice, forming the backbone of ancient Egyptian civilization. This journey through the essential values of Maat has revealed to us how these principles have shaped not only the cosmic and social order, but also the concept of the afterlife, thus highlighting their timeless importance. The universal harmony sought by the ancient Egyptians through Maat still inspires us today to reflect on how we can integrate these fundamental values into our daily lives, with the aim of maintaining balance and justice in our world. The symbolism of the ostrich feather, reflecting lightness and justice, reminds us that every action and decision should aim to preserve harmony and fairness, principles perfectly illustrated by the deep reflection on Ma'at and its influence on life. Egyptian society. Purchase this book to explore more about the legacy of Maat and its impact on Egyptian civilization. Let us be inspired by the wisdom of Maat to forge a future where balance, truth, and justice prevail, thus perpetuating her legacy for generations to come.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Maat in Egyptian mythology?
Maat represents the goddess of cosmic harmony, justice, fairness, peace, truth, world order and moral conduct according to Egyptian mythology.
2. What texts describe the principles of Maat?
The principles of Ma'at are described in the 42 Laws of Ma'at, which are moral guidelines from ancient Egypt, essential for accessing the afterlife. These laws are mentioned under the name of The Negative Confession in the Nebseni papyrus.
3. What are the essential principles of Egyptian civilization according to Maat?
The essential principles include justice and truth, order and fairness. Ma'at is the pillar of all spheres of Egyptian life, encompassing religious, cosmic, political, social and personal aspects.
4. How did the Egyptians view death?
For the Egyptians, death was seen as a passage to the afterlife, a belief influenced by the myth of Osiris, a central element of their religion.
References
[1] - https://www.worldhistory.org/trans/fr/1-15014/maat/
[2] - https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma%C3%A2t
[3] - https://www.osirisnet.net/dieux/maat/maat.htm
[4] - https://histophile.com/dictionnaire/maat/
[5] - https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_de_l%27%C3%AAtre_dans_l%27%C3%89gypte_antique
[6] - https://www.worldhistory.org/trans/fr/1-15727/heka/
[7] - https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fonctions_pharaoniques
[8] - https://www.universalis.fr/encyclopedie/pharaon/3-le-garant-de-l-ordre-universel/
[9] - https://journals.openedition.org/droitcultures/3510
[10] - https://lyc-violletleduc.ac-versailles.fr/IMG/pdf/peseecoeuregypte.pdf
[11] - http://ancienegypte.fr/tribunal/balance.htm
[12] - https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jugement_de_l%27%C3%A2me_(%C3%89gypte_antique)