This string has 12 knots tied at even intervals. When the string is pulled taut, it forms a 3-4-5 triangle and can be used as a quick square. This knotted string is thought to have been invented by the Babylonians as an inexpensive and portable method for finding a right triangle; the Babylonians are known to have studied Pythagorean triples. This string is designed at a length to be worn as a necklace when not in use as a tool.

15" Necklace (total string length 30" long)

Dyed Cotton String, 2020

By Beka Goedde

This work is part of the show Artists' Tools at Special Special, on view spring 2020.

Images courtesy of the artist.