Ancient Egyptian Wall Plaque - The Offering of Maat

Ancient Egyptian Wall Plaque - The Offering of Maat

Temple of Abydos, Egypt. Dynasty XIX, 1300 B.C.

Here, Pharaoh Seti I,(father of Ramses II) is seen offering to the Gods the seated image of Egyptian Goddess Maat, held in his hand like a doll. The Goddess Maat is the personification of all the elements of cosmic harmony as established by the Creator-God at the beginning of time-including truth, justice, law, world order and moral integrity. Goddess Maat is shown as a lady wearing on her head an ostrich feather. This scene establishes the king as the representative of divine order since Maat was seen legitimizing his authority to govern and to uphold the laws of the universe which she embodies.