Textile Patterns and Their Epistemological Functions

Abstract

Textile work can be interpreted as physical evidence of human thought and actions. Generally artifacts are examined and interpreted as a material expression of culture. This article offers another way of looking at textile patterns, focusing on their production processes. Consequently, textile techniques need to be described in order to demonstrate the constitutional skills of textile patterns. The analysis of textile pattern is, according to this thesis, not undertaken within a style or design history or as part of theories on ornament. A techno-morphological description reflects on spatial conditions and production techniques.The formulated definition of the term “pattern” introduces the ideas of rhythm, symmetry, repetition, and dimension. These keywords lead to further reflections on patterns of more general interest. Research in different disciplines, predominantly in the natural sciences, deals with all kind of patterns. Cognitive sciences state that pattern matching and pattern construction are required means of complexity reduction, a key function of human behavior. The prerequisites for pattern recognition, the significance of patterns, and its cultural implications within scientific theory are usually not discussed. Here, pattern analysis is proposed as an analytical tool in the search for subjective influences, e.g. in scientific display. Formulating the epistemological function of patterns may benefit interdisciplinary research and support the interface between cultural and natural sciences.