New research indicates that the practice of creating string figures, which is widely recognized around the world, might reveal a shared cultural heritage going back thousands of years. This study provides a novel approach to examine how cultural elements evolve and spread by employing mathematical techniques.
Recent findings suggest that crafting string figures, a practice found globally, may highlight a common cultural heritage that dates back millennia. This research introduces a new method for analyzing the evolution and dissemination of cultural phenomena via mathematics.
A joint effort by the University of Helsinki, Aarhus University, the National Museum of Denmark, and Seattle University investigated the cognitive, cultural, and historical importance of traditional string figures. These games involve twisting a string loop with fingers to form intricate designs. The study sought to determine if specific string figures developed independently in various regions or if they have a shared origin.
The team reviewed 826 string figures from 92 different cultures globally, identifying 83 recurring patterns. Their findings indicate that some designs are widely recognized around the world, suggesting that they may have ancient origins that extend back thousands of years.
“Remarkably similar string figures can be found in places like the Arctic cultures of North America and the Pacific region. This demonstrates how traditional string figures have been passed down through migration and interaction over centuries, or even millennia. We also discovered that some figures are confined to specific areas, implying both isolation and localized creativity,” explains Postdoctoral Researcher Roope Kaaronen from the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
Blending arts, crafts, play, storytelling, and mathematical thought
String figures serve as a clear example of cultural artifacts that merge art, craft, play, storytelling, and mathematical reasoning. These shared traditions across humanity can shed light on human creativity, cognitive growth, and the roots of mathematical concepts.
“String figures reflect the human inclination to create and engage in cognitively stimulating types of play, much like modern games such as chess or sudoku,” states Kaaronen.
A ‘family tree’ of string figures
The researchers employed principles of mathematical knot theory to devise a computational approach that generates a DNA-like symbolic representation for each string figure. This technique allows for cross-cultural comparisons of string figures and the creation of their “family tree.”
This methodology also facilitates the exploration of the evolution of a range of early human technologies, providing archaeologists and anthropologists a fresh perspective on cultural heritage.
“The analysis techniques we’ve developed can also be used for a quantitative examination and cross-cultural comparison of other items made from string, cord, thread, or rope, including knots, fishing nets, and textiles. Utilizing digital methods and computational resources enhances our ability to preserve and comprehend this cultural heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations,” summarizes Kaaronen.
