Friday, November 13, 2009

African Fractals

Hearing Dr. Zuidema describe the ceque system this week, and even compare it to a computer, reminded me of Ron Eglash's work on African fractal geometry. Eglash is an ethno-mathematician and professor in the Science and Technology Studies department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In the 1980s, Eglash noticed that traditional African architecture was based on fractal geometry. He began to study other parts of African culture, looking for recursion in other contexts. He found social hierarchies, hair braiding techniques, and textile patterns that were similarly self-organizing.

Recursive weaving pattern. Image from http://csdt.rpi.edu/african/African_Fractals/homepage.html


Nankani homes are a series of fractal cylinders. Image from http://csdt.rpi.edu/african/African_Fractals/culture5.html

I don't think that the ceque system is the Inca version of fractal geometry, but Eglash's research is useful for our website. His analysis of African mathematics is used to teach African communities computing skills. Eglash has developed tutorials for relevant math concepts that instill users with pride in their heritage and encourage them to learn modern computing skills.

If we are still allowed to entertain wild ideas for our final project, I would consider developing a tutorial on the mathematics of the ceque system to use for school children in the Andes.


No comments:

Post a Comment