Students search for fractals in artifacts

A chance encounter in Spain led an archaeologist from the University of Las Palmas to assist with a special project that saw students attempt to unravel ancient geometric patterns left behind by the Guanches (aboriginal) people of Spain, millennia ago.

Fourteen students participated in “Hunting for Fractals in Archaeological Artifacts” during Special Projects Week at LSMSA and learned to decode petroglyphs and terracotta “Pintaderas” using mathematical fractals, photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction. They worked alongside Angel Marchante, an archaeologist from the University of Las Palmas, to make groundbreaking discoveries not yet known to modern man.

“I was in the Canary Islands this summer staying with a host family, and they asked me what I wanted to do for our week there,” said Sanjeetha Peters, senior lecturer of mathematics and computer science at LSMSA . “I didn’t want to go to the beaches, I wanted to learn about the culture and about the people of the island.”

Her host took her to a museum which also served as an archaeological dig. The museum is called Cueva Pintada, which means cave paintings.

“When he said cave paintings, my eyes just lit up,” said Peters. “I did not even know the island had aboriginal people.”

While touring the excavation, Peters happened to see a group from the University of Las Palmas that was actually active on the dig site. The group was led by Marchante, who approached the group and asked if they had any questions.

“I was asking him some questions about the geometrical patterns of the different seals and the stamps,” said Peters. “It was fascinating to me because I was able to see fractals in their patterns.”

Marchante was amazed that she was so interested. The two began talking, and Peters asked about his work and she spoke about where she worked and what kind of work she did.

“I asked him if he would be open to working on a project together on this, because none of these patterns have been decoded,” she said.

Arriving back in the United States, Peters approached the LSMSA Foundation to ask if they would be willing to pay for Marchante to visit the campus and work with students.

“We are so excited to support this unique opportunity through the Praecellemus Fund,” said Angela Robinson, director of the LSMSA Foundation. “The Pracellemus Fund draws its name from LSMSA’s motto which means ‘We Shall Excel.’

“The fund brings scholars, artists and researchers to the LSMSA campus for presentations and short term residencies.”

Students participating in the project were Karan Baker, a sophomore from New Iberia; Jada Bezue, a junior from Hammond; Destina Boupapanh, a junior from Broussard; Andrew Bourque, a sophomore from Gretna; Juan Cecchini, a j unior from Denham Springs; Autumn Downen, a senior from Choudrant; Dennis Keo, a senior from Buras; Brandon Logan, a junior from Denham Springs; Riley Louviere, a junior from Lafayette; Lucien Maloney, a junior from Mandeville; Tomas Parker, a senior from Natchitoches; Austin Roldan, a sophomore from St. Francisville; Caitlynn Sengchiam, a junior from New Iberia; and Emma Simpson, a senior from Shreveport.