Maat or Ma’at was the Egyptian goddess of truth, justice,
morality and balance. Ma’at sat in judgment over the souls of the dead in the
Judgment Hall of Osiris where the dead person’s heart was placed on a scale,
balanced by Feather of Ma’at (her symbol that she wore on her head was an
ostrich feather).
Ma’at personified the ethical principle of harmony and
balance. This principle was central of Egyptian thought and culture. Ma’at represents
the ethical and moral principles that all Egyptian citizens, from rulers to
laborers, were expected to follow throughout their daily lives. They were expected
to act with honor and truth in matters that involve family, the community, the
nation, the environment and the gods.
Ma’at was considered more of a concept than a goddess. One
worshiped the goddess Ma’at by living a life in accordance with the highest
principles of justice, order and harmony.