Exploring Honai construction as a resource for mathematics learning

Resumo

Cultural heritage plays a critical role in providing context for mathematical learning, offering opportunities to enhance both academic understanding and cultural appreciation. However, there is a gap in integrating ethnomathematical knowledge into formal education, particularly in connecting local cultural practices with abstract mathematical concepts. This study addresses this gap by examining the ethnomathematics of the Dani community, focusing on the construction of the Honai, a traditional structure that reflects the community's indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship. The research aims to identify and analyze the mathematical concepts embedded in the Honai's construction, thereby demonstrating how these principles can inform culturally responsive mathematics education. Using a qualitative ethnographic methodology, data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with traditional builders and community elders, and document analysis. The findings reveal that the Honai incorporates various mathematical principles, including circular geometry in its base, conical or paraboloid shapes in its roof, and non-standard measurement techniques based on body spans and visual alignment. These results highlight the rich geometric, proportional, and spatial reasoning inherent in the Honai's design and construction. The study demonstrates that incorporating the Honai's construction principles into mathematics instruction can enhance student engagement and deepen conceptual understanding by linking abstract concepts to culturally significant practices. This culturally responsive approach not only bridges traditional knowledge with academic content but also fosters pride in cultural identity. By leveraging cultural artifacts like the Honai, this research contributes to the development of inclusive and effective educational strategies that enrich mathematics teaching and learning.

Dados da obra

Tipo

Artigo

Periódico

Journal of Honai Math, v. 8, n. 1, p. 1-20

Editora

Universitas Papua

Ano

2025 (2025-02)

Idioma

en

Palavras-chave

dani tribe; ethnomathematics; geometry; honai; qualitative ethnographic

Temas

Etnomatemática, Geometria

DOI

10.30862/jhm.v8i1.785

ISSN

2615-2185, 2615-2193

Acesso

Acesso aberto

Fontes

DOAJ — Directory of Open Access Journals

Na Biblioteca desde

01/10/2026 · verificada em 03/10/2026