The effect of shape and color symmetry on the aesthetic value of Dayak masks from Borneo

Abstract

In both human and non-human species, as well as in artistic designs, symmetry has been found to enhance judgments of attractiveness. To explore the effects of symmetry on tribal designs, this study designed a set of stimuli using Dayak masks from Borneo, in which shape and color symmetry were manipulated. When British women and men rated the images, there was a significantly greater preference for symmetrically-shaped over asymmetrically-shaped masks, but not for symmetrically-colored masks. However, in a 2-alternative forced-choice experiment, the symmetric mask was significantly preferred for both shape and color manipulations. The results suggest a role for symmetry in the perception of tribal art.