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Unknown Maker, Egyptian

Goddess Maat
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Egyptian

Culture

Egyptian

Title

Goddess Maat

Period

Late Period, Dynasty 26

Year

664-525 BCE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

bronze

Geography

Place Made: Possibly from the sacred animal catacombs at Tuna el Gebel

Dimensions

22.9 x 5.1 x 14.6 cm (9 x 2 x 5 3/4 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund

Object Number

1989.088

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Ancient Egyptian Galleries
Jun 10, 2014

Label copy

This depiction of Maat appears to be cast in three pieces: the altar, the figure, and the feather. Smooth, highly polished surfaces contrast with the concentrated detailing of the feather, wig, broad collar, and openwork altar.

The goddess embodying truth, balance, and proper action, Maat pervaded all aspects of Egyptian culture. Traditionally represented as a woman with an ostrich feather headdress, Maat here sits in a characteristic pose. Similar bronze figures of Maat suggest that this piece is incomplete, and was most likely part of a group composition in which the goddess was juxtaposed with a larger figure of the ibis of the god Thoth. Maat, therefore, would have been viewed from the side or back.

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Egyptian
Goddess Maat, 664-525 BCE
Bronze
22.9 x 5.1 x 14.6 cm (9 x 2 x 5 3/4 inches)
Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund 1989.088

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