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The Tapestry of Mathematics—Connecting Threads: A Case Study Incorporating Ecologies, Languages and Mathematical Systems of Papua New Guinea

In: Indigenous Knowledge and Ethnomathematics

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  • Kay Owens

    (Charles Sturt University)

Abstract

Tapestries interweave strands and colours to create beauty. Mathematics is created through time and place to provide beautiful systems of patterns and purposes. One such place of diverse ecologies and languages that spans thousands of years of intact cultures is Papua New Guinea (PNG). Its diversity of places and peoples with ancient cultures has created a mathematical tapestry. This chapter expands on a small section of this tapestry to challenge most Indo-European views of the beginnings of mathematics such as number systems and mathematical reasoning. Archaeological linguistics, local environments and ecology, sociology of economics, sociopolitical expectations, and mathematical ways of reasoning form threads to create sections of the tapestry. These pieces provide examples of ethnomathematics valuing Indigenous knowledges as mathematical and as important for all societies both within PNG and around the world. Alternative ways of understanding mathematics assist in creating new pieces of the tapestry of mathematics.

Suggested Citation

  • Kay Owens, 2022. "The Tapestry of Mathematics—Connecting Threads: A Case Study Incorporating Ecologies, Languages and Mathematical Systems of Papua New Guinea," Springer Books, in: Eric Vandendriessche & Rik Pinxten (ed.), Indigenous Knowledge and Ethnomathematics, pages 183-220, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-030-97482-4_7
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-97482-4_7
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