Reproduction of the Goddess Maat based on a painting in the tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens.

The Ancient Egyptians believed the balance of the universe was determined by the presence or absence of maat, which had the meaning of rightness, truth, justice and order. Without maat, there was isfet or chaos, and Maat wears an ostrich feather on her head, which could be used alone as the symbol for her name, and is often shown with protective wings.