A Reflection on Cultural Backgrounds

Today in class we explored bead looms and the cultural background of it. Bead work is well known for beauty. During this unit of study we will be focusing on the cultural background of Native American bead work and the mathematics it embodies. These designs are based on four-fold symmetry. We looked at four images of these designs. All of these images were made up of geometric figures. These four images were...

                  

One key term in this reading was reflection symmetry.   Reflection symmetry is when the right half is the mirror     image of the left. This four-fold counting is commonly used as an organizing principle for religion society and native technology. Navajo sand paintings are another example of four-fold symmetry. These are used in healing ceremonies. Another example is parka decorating in Eskimo culture. It is said that it is important for both sides to look exactly the same. Finally we read about the bead loom in which beads are designed in rows and columns. Native American bead work was created before European contact and was used in many ways such as clothing and wampum belts.