The Mathematics and Origin of String Figures

String Figures and Knot Theory ~ Origin of String Figures ~ Invented String Figures

by Martin Probert

"the World's Most Widespread Game""
(James Hornell, Discovery, 1928)

String Figures and Knot Theory
- mathematics of the unknot under tension

First posted February 2001, revised April 2001, June 2001. Major revision August 2002.
Includes construction methods for four ethnographic string figures.
  1. Abstract. Introduction. Definition of string figures. Motifs
  2. Look-alikes. Knot theory. Partial unravellings. Shards
  3. String figures analysed
  4. Conjectures. Functional notation. Conclusions
 Featured in the Math Forum Internet News 19 March 2001
KaBoL cool math site
Featured by the Canadian Mathematical Society: Cool Math Site 13 September 2002
Canadian Mathematical Society

Origin of String Figures

First published 1999. Abstract revised August 2002.
Includes construction methods for two ethnographic string figures.

  1. How old are string figures?
  2. Where and how did string figure making originate?
  3. Why is Jacob’s Ladder so widely distributed?
 "Looks at string figures from a whole new point of view ... A landmark paper"
Will Wirt, International String Figure Association

Invented String Figures

  1. String Figure Maker's Garden with Young Loops Growing
  2. Double Crow’s Feet
  3. Spinal Vertebrae
  4. Dromedary - Bactrian Camel - Loch Ness Monster
  5. Millipede
  6. Evolving Star
 "Enormously entertaining... I am consistently amazed by your creativity and inventiveness - I may say that I've never encountered anyone like you in the string figure world. You are truly gifted..."
Mark Sherman, ISFA

"Martin Probert is admired worldwide for his fanciful, fun-filled string figure creations."
Joseph D'Antoni, ISFA

The author has also written extensively on juggling and the mathematics of juggling.