The Geometry of
Indian Traditional Rice and Flour Decoration
Kolam (Tamil for "Beauty") are repeating geometric designs created in southern India and Sri Lanka using rice flour. The kolam are meant to be temporary works at the thresholds of homes.
Mathematical elements of kolam include symmetry (line and radial), arrays (patterns of intersections), knots (designs created with a single traceable continuous line), and fractals (small portions of a larger design repeat the motif of the larger design in miniature), all of which help the artists express concepts of recurring cycles and infinity in their cultures and traditions.
Mathematical elements of kolam include symmetry (line and radial), arrays (patterns of intersections), knots (designs created with a single traceable continuous line), and fractals (small portions of a larger design repeat the motif of the larger design in miniature), all of which help the artists express concepts of recurring cycles and infinity in their cultures and traditions.