Ethnomathematics: An Investigation Of The Mathematics Embedded In The Cultural Activities Of The Damara People In The Khorixas Area

ABSTRACT

Ethnomathematics, deals with mathematics that is practiced within different tribal groups and is mainly influenced by the norms, beliefs, and the values that are important to these groups of people. The mathematical practices among the cultural set-ups normally include symbolic systems, spatial designs, practical construction techniques, calculation methods, measurement in time, space, and specific ways of reasoning, which can be translated into formal mathematical representations within identifiable cultural groups. Thus, it is very important to enhance the understanding of cultural diversity of mathematical practices, and to apply this knowledge to the development of teaching and learning of mathematics. Cultural mathematics means the way people use their own measuring units in their daily lives, when shopping or in any other activities that require measurement. In its activities, people use their cups, pots or any other object available as measurement units. The present study was aimed at investigating the type of traditional activities that the Damara people were involved in. The emphasis was placed on those involved in traditional sewing and house construction. Quota-sampling techniques were used to select the above-mentioned sample from the sites since there were few people involved in traditional sewing and house construction in Khorixas. Interviews were used to obtain the information from them. The results indicated that the Damara people were involved in various types of cultural activities and practices, and included traditional sewing, house construction, cooking, counting and games. These practices and activities embodied different principles and aspects of mathematics.