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Jun. 30 | 2012 Bode-Pearson Prize
Nominations for the 2012 Bode-Pearson Prize for Outstanding Contributions to American Studies due
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Resources: Abstracts of American Studies Dissertations
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Martin, Denise. "Nature, Maat and Myth in the Cosmologies of the Ancient Egyptians and the Dogon," Temple University, January 2001.
The Ancient Egyptians and Dogon conceive that all elements of the universe operate in harmony. Therefore, the manner in which the Egyptians and Dogon express and experience their cosmology must agree with this harmony. Using an African centered approach, this study examines three key factors that define both cosmologies and allow for the full expression of harmony. The first is Maat. Maat is the Egyptian principle of balance, order, justice, and harmony and is the fundamental descriptive characteristic of the universe for the Egyptians and Dogon. The second is myth. Myth is the thread of sacred truth with which the cosmologies are woven. To the Dogon, myth represents the ultimate revelation of knowledge. The third is Nature. Nature is the physical means by which the cosmology is articulated because it provides the symbols, forms, images, behaviors, and objects needed to engage the unseen aspect of the universe. This study describes the place where these three factors converge. To do this, a multidisciplinary approach from philosophy, art, myth, culture, and Egyptology (from African and non-African perspectives) is used to provide context because all have greatly influenced the perception of myth in culture. The Egyptians and Dogon articulate a story of the universe that is a feast for the tactile sense, challenging to the mind, and able to be experienced through the simple activities of daily living, this study attempts to bring this to light.
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