Tessellations

A tessellation is a combination of shapes that cover a surface with no gaps or overlaps when repeated. The word "tessellation" comes from the Latin word "tessella" which means small square tile. One of the most common examples of a tessellation is a checkerboard.

Tessellations are thousands of years old and can be found all over the world. They can be traced back to about 4000 B.C. to the Sumerians who used them to decorate the walls of their homes an temples. Since then, tessellations have been found in Egyptian, roman, Persian, Greek, Byzantine, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese and other cultures. The kinds of shapes and colors differ from culture to culture depending on that culture’s belief system. The best known example of tessellated patterns can be seen at Alhambra, a palace in Spain. Its floors, walls, and ceilings are completely covered with tessellations and repeating patterns. In recent times, tessellations have appeared on floors (tiles), walls (wallpaper), ceramics, clothing designs, rugs and stained glass windows. They have continue to be an art form with artists such as Escher, Vasarelly and Bridget Riley.

Tessellations in Math

Tessellations in Art