Data Knits

Algorithmic African Patterns

24/10/17

Ethno Mathematics & Textiles

Kuba, Congo

This Computer generated pattern was made with Processing. It is origianally based on the famous code:

10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10

This program made originally for the commodore 64 uses a sequence of / and \ which generates in a random way a pattern that is an endless loop where the pattern never repeats.

Next to it is a woven Kuba textile from the region of Democratic Republic of the Congo. Embroidery can be added to underline or create new patterns. This is a very characteristic pattern found in many textiles and handicrafts of the region.

” The patterns not only represent economic and social status but ethnic unity and religion as well. The Kuba continue to produce all of the different patterns even though these no longer represent the power of the people. The aesthetic does however, show a person’s ranking within the society.”

Sources:

Processing code: https://github.com/clairewiwi/processing-sketch

http://10print.org/

http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.be/2014/02/kuba-people-most-artistic-and-highly.html

fr en
Tramages d'Images - jacquard, patterns,dithering techniques

Data Knits

Workshops Data Knitting