Symmetries of Culture

An archaeologist and a mathmatician have collaborated to write this extremely useful guide to classifying plane pattern designs. It should benefit any researcher who describes and compares designs. The authors suggest a means of recognizing aspects of symmetry as part of the process of classifying a design according to the cryptic symmetry notation used in crystallography. Question-answer flow charts enable the reader to correctly classify designs using a standard notation. The book is extensively illustrated with carvings, textiles, basketry, tiles, and pottery, which are used as examples of various symmetry patterns. - American Anthropologist.