Ideas worth spreading

The fractals at the heart of African designs

1,850,237 views |

Ron Eglash |

TEDGlobal 2007

• June 2007

'I am a mathematician, and I would like to stand on your roof.' That is how Ron Eglash greeted many African families he met while researching the fractal patterns he'd noticed in villages across the continent.

'I am a mathematician, and I would like to stand on your roof.' That is how Ron Eglash greeted many African families he met while researching the fractal patterns he'd noticed in villages across the continent.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Ron Eglash

See speaker profile

Ron Eglash is an ethno-mathematician: he studies the way math and cultures intersect. He has shown that many aspects of African design -- in architecture, art, even hair braiding -- are based on perfect fractal patterns.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.