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Nasca lines: a mystery wrapped in an enigma
J R Castrejón-Pita1, A A Castrejón-Pita, A Sarmiento-Galán
1Instituto de Matematicas, UNAM, Ave. Universidad s/n, 62200 Chamilpa, Morelos, Mexico.
Chaos (Woodbury, N.Y.)
|August 30, 2003
Summary
Researchers analyzed Nasca geoglyphs using fractal dimension to date them. Early geoglyphs were simple lines, with later designs becoming more complex, showing artistic evolution.
Area of Science:
- Archaeology
- Geometrical Analysis
- Cultural Heritage
Background:
- The Nasca geoglyphs are enigmatic large-scale geoglyphs in Peru.
- Understanding their creation and evolution is key to interpreting Nasca culture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the geometrical structure of Nasca geoglyphs.
- To use fractal dimension as a method for relative dating of geoglyphs.
- To understand the evolution of Nasca artistry.
Main Methods:
- Fractal dimension analysis applied to the geometrical structures of Nasca geoglyphs.
- Comparative analysis of different geoglyph designs.
Main Results:
- Nasca geoglyphs exhibit varying degrees of geometrical complexity.
- The earliest delineated geoglyphs appear to be simple, straight, parallel lines.
- More complex structures indicate a progression in artistic skill and design sophistication over time.
Conclusions:
- Fractal dimension analysis provides a viable method for sequencing Nasca geoglyphs chronologically.
- The Nasca artists' capabilities evolved, moving from simple to complex designs.
- This study offers insights into the developmental stages of Nasca art and culture.