The shape of objects

Abstract

The identification of objects based on their form is a task that we carry out on a daily basis without much difficulties and without asking ourselves how the identity comes to the form. Semiotics assumes the task of describing this process from the moment in which the identity of the object, its categorization, is conceived in terms of meaning. However, a difficulty immediately arises of describing by a general method the diversity of forms that man faces. Here it is proposed to carry out the description of three-dimensional shapes from two-dimensional images and with the help of a qualitative analysis in terms of reference points, inscribed on a positional grid. The paper justifies the semiotic relevance of the adopted method and illustrates its application through a study of pre-Hispanic Mayan vessels.

Keywords
shape; contour; profile; landmark; positional grid