This paper presents an algebraic framework for constructing invariants of closed oriented 3-manifolds by taking a state sum model on a triangulation. This algebraic framework consists of a tensor category with a condition on the duals which we have called a spherical category. A significant feature is that the tensor category is not required to be braided. The main examples are constructed from the categories of representations of involutive Hopf algebras and of quantised enveloping algebras at a root of unity.

This paper is a study of monoidal categories with duals where the tensor product need not be commutative. The motivating examples are categories of representations of Hopf algebras and the motivating application is the definition of 6j-symbols as used in topological field theories. We introduce the new notion of a spherical category. In the first section we prove a coherence theorem for a monoidal category with duals following MacLane (1963). In the second section we give the definition of a spherical category, and construct a natural quotient which is also spherical. In the third section we define spherical Hopf algebras so that the category of representations is spherical. Examples of spherical Hopf algebras are involutory Hopf algebras and ribbon Hopf algebras. Finally we study the natural quotient in these cases and show it is semisimple.Comment: 16 pages. Minor correction

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Abstract. Associated to any complex simple Lie algebra is a non-reductive complex Lie algebra which we call the intermediate Lie algebra. We propose that these algebras can be included in both the magic square and the magic triangle to give an additional row and column. The extra row and column in the magic square corresponds to the sextonions. This is a six dimensional subalgebra of the split octonions which contains the split quaternions.