- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Rutgers University Press; illustrated edition edition (Mar 1 1999)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0813526140
- ISBN-13: 978-0813526140
- Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.8 x 0.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 544 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#61,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4 in Books > Science > Mathematics > Pure Mathematics > Fractals
- #4 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Mathematics > Pure Mathematics > Fractals
- #9 in Books > Science > Mathematics > Geometry & Topology > Topology
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Product Details |
Product Description
Book Description
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 corners. In contrast, traditional African settlements tend to use fractal structure--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.
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 technologies, 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.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Connecting Africans ancient and modern,
This review is from: African Fractals: Modern Computing and Indigenous Design (Paperback)
This is an amazing book! It clearly shows how many of the common things that people of African descent do have may scientific connections. Hair styles that are worn today by people of African descent, have been worn as far back to the ancient indigenous Africans known as the ancient Egyptians. So it really no surprise that there is mathematical and scientific knowledge being found today by scientist and scholars.This book should be in every school and home in this country. I take that back, this book should be in every school globally. Another scientific book that would make a great set for any school or home is, The African Unconscious. Written by Edward Bruce Bynum. You can find it here on Amazon.com.
5.0 out of 5 stars
An ingenious first, recognition of 'African' Maths.,
By A Customer
This review is from: African Fractals: Modern Computing and Indigenous Design (Paperback)
This is a brilliant book. As an Architect, I was truly enlightened by the idea of the 'other' culture(s), having a valid scientific basis in fact. I was always told in Architectural school that the 'Africans',(including those in the diaspora) were a peoples without and writing systems, technological background and no culture. I'm glad to see evidence that this is not the truth. I thank the author for his contribution.
5.0 out of 5 stars
An ingenious first, recognition of 'African' Maths.,
By A Customer
This review is from: African Fractals: Modern Computing and Indigenous Design (Paperback)
This is a brilliant book. As an Architect, I was truly enlightened by the idea of the 'other' culture(s), having a valid scientific basis in fact. I was always told in Architectural school that the 'Africans',(including those in the diaspora) were a peoples without and writing systems, technological background and no culture. I'm glad to see evidence that this is not the truth. I thank the author for his contribution.
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