Associate Professor of Mathematics
Department of Mathematics & Statistics, UFV
robin.endelman@ufv.ca

This scarf depicts the Yang-Baxter equation of statistical mechanics, a variation of which is the braid equation in algebra, or the 3rd Reidemeister (equivalence) move in knot theory. Assigning the numbers 1, 2, 3 to the colours blue, green, gold, respectively, the Yang-Baxter equation reads: R₁₂ R₁₃ R₂₃ = R₂₃ R₁₃ R₁₂, where Rij denotes strand i crossing strand j — the two sides of the equation being depicted on the two ends of the scarf, with equality represented by the middle portion.

The colours chosen were inspired by the 2013 thematic year of the Mathematics of Planet Earth (MPE2013), to represent water, sun, and life on earth. The yarn company (Manos del Uruguay) was chosen for its commitment to sustainable development, local farmers and artisans, and fair trade.