Abstract:

In this work, attention is focused on the salience and repetition of symmetry and colour features over shifts of time and on the preference of symmetries and colours in Lithuanian traditional textiles within all ethnic regions. The analysis of ornamental symmetry is based on the geometrical characteristics governing the structures of these designs. For this reason, Woods’ classification and notation system as improved for woven ornaments is applied. The ornaments of Lithuanian pick-up sashes and overshot fabrics have been analysed using the original computer-aided data bank, which stores record-sets of 600 exhibits collected from the resources of the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art. Using computer-aided simulations of the ornaments helps to both preserve and analyse these sensitive and archaic textiles. The results obtained from the analysis of Lithuanian ornaments on pick-up sashes and overshot fabrics contribute to the understanding of the originality of character of these traditional textiles, and the versatile relationship between the culture’s mentality and technologies.