What were the most important geographical features of Egypt? How did they affect them?

Menkaura and Queen the art of ancient Egypt and then try to make some connections to its culture. First, let’s explore the worldview of the Egyptians. What were the most important geographical features of Egypt? How did they affect them? Why? Given this geography, what values and ideas were most important to them? Why? In particular, please explore the ideals of Ma ’at. What is it? Why is it important? Please write at least a paragraph here exploring the Egyptian worldview, with a particular emphasis on the Old Kingdom. Next, let’s look at a specific piece of art. For this exercise, please look at the statue of Menkaura and Queen (Sayre, fig 1.23).Please look carefully at this statue and then try to answer these questions. Describe this statue in as much details as you can. What is it made of? How tall is it? How is each body depicted? Is it depicted in realistic detail? Or is it depicted more symbolically? Is there a contrast between the figures? If so, what is the point of this contrast? Remember: art works from specific details to a general impression. Please make your observation notes as specific as possible. Next, given these details, reflect on the emotional tone of this piece. How does it make you feel? Why? Finally, please write at least a paragraph that summarizes your assessment of this piece. How does this piece encourage you to respond to these figures? With this work as a background, let’s work on connecting this piece to its culture. Please write an entry that explores the connection between this statue and what you know about the ideals of the Old Kingdom. How are the values & ideals of ancient Egypt revealed in the details of Menkaura and Queen?