Paper short abstract:

Fractals are both a ‘western, scientific’ and an African achievement. Based upon the discussion of ethnographic material from the Cameroon Grassfields, it addresses issues related to the production and circulation of fractals as a form of knowledge and a theory exploring ‘identity’ issues

Paper long abstract:

Fractals, which constitute a substantial part of chaos theory, are often considered as a 'western scientific' achievement. However, recent research reveals a widespread use of fractals (ranging from traditional settlements to knowledge systems) on the African continent (Eglash 2002), and suggests that fractals, as a form of knowledge, is both an African and Euro-American achievement or better: it is the result of reciprocal influences and similar inspirations.

This kind of knowledge is both 'local' and 'global' for not only does it constitute the latest advances of Euro-American ('western') science but it is also widespread in south-East Asia. It is therefore knowledge that entails a powerful potential to bridge cultural differences while at the same time preserving a local dimension (expressed, for example, into the values which inform these conceptualizations).

Drawing on ethnographic material collected in the Cameroon Grassfields, the first part of the paper argues that some 'local'/'indigenous' conceptualizations and artifacts rest on a fractal logic - that is, the way people get to know themselves, and the world known to themselves, rests on a fractal logic.

The second part of the paper addresses the following issues: how does 'western' fractals relate to 'African' fractals? Can we promote this type of knowledge in order to reinforce Africa's position into the global map of knowledge production? In what respect and to what extent do fractal conceptualizations dating from the pre-colonial period can be used in the investigation of contemporary issues of individual and collective identity?