Boas, Franz: Primitive art (Oslo , Leipzig [u.a.], 1927)

36

The formal element in art

On objects that are frequently seen from different sides are found
forms that are symmetrical both ways, when seen right and left
and when seen up and down. Examples of this are the Australian
shield fig. 22 (p. 33), and the parfleches of the North American
Indians (fig. 89, p. 97). On objects of similar character made by the
same technical processes
and by the same tribe,
such as rawhide bags
(fig. 28) double sym-
metry may also occur.
In circular forms the
diameter is often the
axis of symmetry. In
other cases symmetrical
fields are radially ar-
ranged and there may be
a number of repetitions.
The circumference takes
the place of the hori-
zontal, the radius that
of the vertical (fig. 29).
In a number of cases
we find instead of normal
symmetry an inversion
of the two symmetrical
halves so that what is
above to the right, is below to the left. Arrangements of this type are,
however, less numerous than true symmetry. Such forms occur in
New Guinea.. They are due to the decorative development of the two
branches of a double spiral (fig. 30). This form results sometimes from
circular rhythmic repetitions in which the whole circle is filled by two
or more units. This is found for instance, in pottery from the south-
western Pueblos (fig. 31) and also quite commonly in Central-America.1
1 See, for instance S. K. Lothrop, Pottery of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, New
York, 1926, Plates 39, 46, fig. 195.



Fig. 28. Painted rawhide
bags, Shuswap, British
Columbia.


Fig. 30. Carved board
Kaiserin Augusta Fluss,
New Guinea.