Aset is a representation of Isis (Isis is the Greek word for Aset), and Isis is paired with the 'ankh', which in ancient Egypt, represented eternal life. Aset was the goddess of healing and magic. Her name translates to 'Queen of the Throne', and she was often with her husband and brother Osiris, ruler of the underworld. Aset was responsible for the birth of Horus, who was the god of kingship and the pharaoh. As such, she was seen as the mother to the pharaoh, and during the time of such, the pharaoh's actual mother was often tied to Aset. Aset was also one of the earlier goddess, though not as early as Ma'at.
Atef representes the goddess Ma'at, who was the goddess of truth, justice, balance, and order. She was often depicted with an ostrich feather on her head, for which she was often paired with, the feather. This characters name comes from the crown of upper Egypt, which had red ostrich feathers on either side. It was worn by Osiris. Ma'at is also related to the underworld, as it was said that everyone had to pass through the 'Hall of Judgement', where a persons heart was weighed against Ma'at's feather of truth. Ma'at was also a way of life for ancient Egyptians, in which they strived to be honest, good people, not exploiting others, lying, or any that could be seen as bad. Something still prevalent to today. Ma'at was one of the earliest goddess', though still not one of the first.
This wonderful piece was done for me by the awesome sketchygarden. They helped me craft from a hodgepodge of ideas of varying cultures to create these two wonderful fox-jackals. I love everything about it and them. I already have plans for another piece.
This piece also was the spark of a long interest in egyptology, convincing me to actually start to persue its study with more interest. It's existed as a pile of smoldering tinder, (my river drake, Nephthys, and my archer cat, Neith, among other things) but this piece was the spark that lit the flame.
