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On Mathematical Ideas in Cultural Traditions of Central and Southern Africa

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Mathematics Across Cultures

Part of the book series: Science Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Science ((SACH,volume 2))

Abstract

In this paper I will first present some evidence for early mathematical activity in Central and Southern Africa. Then follows a short overview of fields of mathematical activity which have been recently studied.1 Special attention will be given to geometrical explorations in Central and Southern Africa. In the third part I will present, as an illustration, geometrical ideas involved in the traditions of the Yombe mat weavers, the Sotho house wall decorators, and the Chokwe sand drawers. The paper concludes with a reflection about ethno-mathematics and mathematical thinking.

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  1. Paulus Gerdes
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  1. Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA

    Helaine Selin

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Gerdes, P. (2000). On Mathematical Ideas in Cultural Traditions of Central and Southern Africa. In: Selin, H. (eds) Mathematics Across Cultures. Science Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Science, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4301-1_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4301-1_16

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-0260-1

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