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Symmetry Comes of Age: The Role of Pattern in Culture

by Dorothy K. Washburn and Donald W. Crowe, Editors
University of Washington Press, Seattle, WA, 2004
392 pp., illus. 204 col. Trade, $60.00
ISBN: 0-295-98366-3.

Reviewed by Rob Harle (Australia)

This book is a companion volume to Symmetries of Culture: Theory and Practice of Plane Pattern Analysis by the same authors. Washburn and Crowe with colleagues from varied disciplines applied the method of ‘symmetry analysis’ to actual case studies from a number of disparate cultures. The essays in this book discuss their rather remarkable findings. It "is dedicated to a discussion of the application of the principles of geometric symmetry to the study of decorated artifacts, and to the exposition of cultural insights gained from such study" (p. 3).

Symmetry analysis is an academic process or tool used to explain how artworks reflect patterns of human behaviour and fundamental values. It is especially useful in analysing symmetrical designs belonging to tribal, folk, and ancient cultures. It is not difficult to see why this book won the George Wittenborn book award as it is an extremely well researched scholarly investigation and is highly readable as well.

The book is well illustrated with black and white photographs and drawings, together with a sprinkling of colour photographs. There is a List of Contributors, a good Index, a fascinating Introduction by Washburn and Crowe, and ten chapters that, for the most part, cover a specific case study.

The Introduction stresses just how important pattern and symmetrical design are in virtually all cultures and how specific designs characterize individual cultures, yet some elements and motifs are found in the works of other societies which are isolated from each other geographically.

Chapter One––explains the technical aspects of pattern analysis and that this analysis deals with plane symmetries and how variation occurs within the confinements of such a plane.
Two––looks at periodic ornamentation and how it is expressed in Peruvian fabrics.
Three––explains how symmetry is created on a weaving loom with a detailed discussion of the way a four-shaft loom produces this symmetry.
Four––investigates the interplay between cultural values and mathematical-technical possibilities using woven mats by the Yombe women of the Lower Congo as a case study.
Five––looks at the interaction of colour and pattern in Zulu beadwork and how this represents continuity and change.
Six––discusses the embroideries of the Nasca in Peru from the perspective of symmetry as animator, classifier, and syntax.
Seven––investigates how the Andean weavers explore the structure of the world through woven cloth.
Eight––delves into the Ica-Inca interactions through analysis of the Ica Valley ceramics.
Nine––looks at the role of symmetry in Shamanic Therapy in the Upper Amazon.
The last chapter discusses cognitive structures and body metaphors in the aesthetic and everyday discourse of Turkish-Yörük Weavers.

Whilst this last chapter, concerning Turkish nomadic weavers, does mention Islamic religious influences, I think it does so all too briefly. In fact, if I have any criticism of this book, it is that it does not adequately deal with religious influences on symmetrical pattern design. Islamic culture and art is especially relevant here as its restriction to non-figurative representation has developed abstract symmetrical pattern design to an extraordinarily high level. Also, the mandalas of Tibet are complex and wonderful examples of symmetrical pattern that represent this cultures’ spiritual belief system. Perhaps a third volume could address this specific issue in more detail?

To be fair, the book does not make any claims regarding comprehensive representation of all cultures. This approach would result in an impossibly large volume or, alternatively, allow only a very superficial discussion of each culture. As the editors remark, "Readers will now have a broad range of studies of cultural symmetries to draw upon as clues and guideposts for the development of models [my emphasis] of past cultural principles and practices" (p. xiv). Possibly the most profound contribution Symmetry Comes of Age: The Role of Pattern in Culture makes, is as a reference work for future scholars to use in further analyses of those cultures not already discussed.

 

 




Updated 1st December 2004


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