ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY: ETHNOMATHEMATICS IN PALEMBANG SONGKET CLOTH MOTIFS
East Java, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36085/math-umb.edu.v13i3.10448Abstract
This study explores the relationship between ethnomathematics and Palembang songket cloth motifs through an ethnographic approach. The research objective is to identify and describe the mathematical concepts embedded in the motif designs of Palembang songket. Using ethnographic observation, documentation, and interviews with a museum curator, the study analyzed the motifs of Lepus-type songket cloth. The findings reveal that Palembang songket motifs contain several mathematical elements, including number patterns (arithmetic sequences), geometric transformations (reflection across x- and y-axes), and plane geometry figures such as parallelograms, irregular hexagons, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, and equilateral triangles. This study underscores the importance of integrating local cultural heritage into mathematics education, providing a contextual foundation for ethnomathematics-based learning in Indonesian schools.
Keywords: Ethnographic; Ethnomathematics; Palembang Songket; Motifs
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