Symmetry and gold section: two mathematical ideas incorporated in the tradition of Xysta (Pyrgi-Chios-Greece)

Resumen

A designing tradition: the Xysta (sgraffiti) of Pyrgi (one of Chios’ Medieval villages) is presented here. This tradition constitutes of the construction of designs on houses’ facades through scratching the plaster, by traditional craftsmen, who have been taught this technique from older craftsmen. Through First-hand material for this study that was collected on the spot by the author herself during last summer the study is focused on two important mathematical ideas: symmetry, gold section, that both are met in the nature as well as in any kind of art and in every culture.