Fractals are characterized by the repetition of similar patterns at ever

Fractals are characterized by the repetition of similar patterns at ever-diminishing scales. Fractal geometry has emerged as one of the most exciting frontiers on the border between mathematics and information technology and can be seen in many of the swirling patterns produced by computer graphics. It has become a new tool for modeling in biology, geology, and other natural sciences. Anthropologists have observed that the patterns produced in different cultures can be characterized by specific design themes. In Europe and America, we often see cities laid out in a grid pattern of straight streets and right-angle corner.

In contrast, traditional African settlements tend to use fractal structures—circles of circles of circular dwellings, rectangular walls enclosing ever-smaller rectangles, and streets in which broad avenues branch down to tiny footpaths with striking geometric repetition. These indigenous fractals are not limited to architecture; their recursive patterns echo throughout many disparate African designs and knowledge systems. Ron Eglash, AFRICAN FRACTALS, Rutgers University Press, 1999.

AFRICAN FRACTALS RON EGLASH
AFRICAN FRACTALS is an introduction to fractal geometry, its various expressions in African cultures, and an exploration of the implications of these designs for cultural theory, math education, and African development. Drawing on interviews with African designers, artists, and scientists, Ron Eglash investigates fractals in African architecture, traditional hairstyling, textiles, sculpture, painting, carving, metalwork, religion, games, practical craft, quantitative techniques, and symbolic systems. He also examines the political and social implications of the existence of African fractal geometry. His book makes a unique contribution to the study of mathematics, African culture, anthropology, and computer simulations.
Fractals are characterized by the repetition of similar patterns at ever-diminishing scales. Fractal geometry has emerged as one of the most exciting frontiers on the border between mathematics and information technology and can be seen in many of the swirling patterns produced by computer graphics. It has become a new tool for modeling in biology, geology, and other natural sciences. Anthropologists have observed that the patterns produced in different cultures can be characterized by specific design themes. In Europe and America, we often see cities laid out in a grid pattern of straight streets and right-angle corner. In contrast, traditional African settlements tend to use fractal structures—circles of circles of circular dwellings, rectangular walls enclosing ever-smaller rectangles, and streets in which broad avenues branch down to tiny footpaths with striking geometric repetition. These indigenous fractals are not limited to architecture; their recursive patterns echo throughout many disparate African designs and knowledge systems. Ron Eglash, AFRICAN FRACTALS, Rutgers University Press, 1999. For more information on this text contact: Amy Rashap Marketing and Sales Director Rutgers University Press : arashap@rci.rutgers.edu Phone 732-445-7762, ext. 62 FAX 732-445-7039
Ron Eglash is a Senior Lecturer in Comparative Studies at Ohio State University.
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Updated 15 January 2000

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