Application of Symmetry in Archaeology and Culture

The year 1960 in science and technology involved some significant events. These events have led to the use of Interdisciplinary and Applied Sciences such as anthropology, mathematics and geometry as its branches in archeology. Mathematics is the key tools for the classification, arrangement and analysis of archaeological data. Symmetry is one of the most important branches of algebra in mathematics as well as one of the main factors of creation that it is an increasingly important factor in the world order. The fact that symmetry is classified by means of mathematics in one, two and three dimension ,While it as biological and cognitive characteristics of human societies has left a significant footprint and has influence not only in mating and reproductive behavior but used in determining the Cognitive and technological capacity of hominines. It appears that both the brain and body have symmetric structures. It is proven that the human brain sensitive to symmetry in an area called the medial occipital gyrus (MOG). This area contains neurons that react to symmetry. On the other hand it has been argued that physically, modern humans have mirror symmetry. This type of symmetry has a significant effect upon mating ability, reproductive success and disease resistance and so we can say “Natural Selection” emphasis symmetry as a factor for survival or non-survival. Thus, it will help researcher become a better analyst not only in engineering but also in the study of human sciences such as anthropology and archeology. Nevertheless, symmetry is an evolutionary phenomenon in terms of both physically and cognitive. Accordingly, it is a good indicator to understand Cognitive and behavioral capacities hominids. The first symmetrical tools are Acheulean handaxes that more than 1.5 million year old. These tools have been used by various human species. A geometrical analysis of handaxes morphology shows that deviation of symmetry is decreased over time. The reason for this is hominid brain evolution and its key role in the perception and Implementation of three-dimensional symmetry. Two-dimensional symmetry arose after the emergence of Homo sapiens. The fact that modern human is the creator of two-dimensional symmetry (Cave painting, pottery panting…) due to the development in spatial cognition. This type of symmetry is called border or all-over patterns depending on a motif repeated in one or two direction by the use of one or more geometrical actions (Translation, Rotation, Reflection and Grid reflection). This cognitive feature has long life in the world and the last two decades have seen a growing trend towards geometric symmetry in tiling, textile and pottery … to the understanding culture and the relationships between “cultures” and “populations”. The reason for this is that Symmetry between cultures, societies and generations is unconsciously transmitted. Thus symmetries have emerged as powerful platforms for understanding the similarities and cultural differences between Communities. The writers believe that symmetry for culture as the genes humans inherit from their parents just as the traits such as height and diseases can be inherited; Cultural characteristics through symmetry can be transmitted to the next generation. But despite the importance, up to now, far too little attention has been paid to symmetry in archaeology of Iran and the nature of it remains unclear. This paper attempts to show that the symmetry is important in anthropological and archeological studies, and it is essential that archeologist attempts to create a place for symmetry in cultural and cross-cultural studies in archaeology of Iran. In addition, this paper introduces the isometrics or symmetry motions and variety of symmetrical patterns for Iranian archeologist.