ETHNOMATHEMATICS IN ARCHITECTURE: EXPLORING GEOMETRY AND PATTERNS IN THE WE TENRI OLLE TOMB

  • Muhammad Ammar Naufal Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6665-4339
  • Ja'faruddin Ja'faruddin Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9180-632X
  • Satrina Satrina Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1674-0268
  • Lhenny Ardillah Latif Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1557-0223
  • Gita Eka Novianti Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2708-6508
  • Risaldi Risaldi Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0104-979X
  • Fadhel Muhammad Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9723-5866
  • Muhammad Nasiru Hassan Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Sokoto State University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9956-6295
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30598/barekengvol19iss4pp2481-2494
Keywords: Bugis Culture, Ethnomathematics, Mathematics Education, Tomb, We Tenri Olle

Abstract

This study explores the application of ethnomathematics in the We Tenri Olle Tomb, located in Pancana Village, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi. The study aims to identify mathematical concepts, particularly geometry, embedded within the tomb’s architectural elements. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through direct observation and literature review. The results show that the tomb's design reflects the application of planar geometry concepts, such as rectangular walls, and spatial geometry, such as a semi-spherical dome. Geometric transformations, including reflections on walls, translations in floral patterns, and rotations in window designs, were also identified. The tomb design embodies the dynamic cultural acculturation between the local Bugis culture and European colonial influences while symbolizing the diplomatic relationship between the Tanete Kingdom and the Netherlands. This study contributes to ethnomathematics by connecting cultural heritage with mathematical concepts and providing insights for developing culture-based mathematics education to enhance students’ understanding of geometry and appreciation for local traditions.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

U. D’Ambrosio, “AN OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF ETHNOMATHEMATICS,” in Current and Future Perspectives of Ethnomathematics as a Program, M. Rosa, U. D’Ambrosio, D. C. Orey, L. Shirley, W. V. Alangui, P. Palhares, and M. E. Gavarrete, Eds., Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2016, pp. 5–10.doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30120-4

U. D’Ambrosio, “ETHNOMATHEMATICS AND ITS PLACE IN THE HISTORY AND PEDAGOGY OF MATHEMATICS,” Learn. Math., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 44–48, 1985.

U. D’Ambrosio, “INTRODUCTION ETHNOMATHEMATICS AND ITS FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS,” Zentralblatt Für Didakt. Math., vol. 31, pp. 50–53, 1999, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-999-0008-8.

R. C. I. Prahmana and U. D’Ambrosio, “LEARNING GEOMETRY AND VALUES FROM PATTERNS: ETHNOMATHEMATICS ON THE BATIK PATTERNS OF YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 439–456, Sep. 2020.doi: https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.11.3.12949.439-456

M. Rosa et al., CURRENT AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF ETHNOMATHEMATICS AS A PROGRAM. in ICME-13 Topical Surveys. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2016. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30120-4.

M. A. Naufal et al., “STEAM LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION IN MAKASSAR: SWOT ANALYSIS,” J. Educ. Learn. EduLearn, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 794–803, Aug. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v18i3.21353.

A. J. Bishop, Ed., MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AND CULTURE. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 1988. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2209-4.

J. M. Villarin, C. B. Dolino, R. A. Fin, M. L. S. Miñoza, R. G. Ubay, and O. K. T. Kilag, “UNLOCKING MATHEMATICAL LEARNING: EXPLORING ETHNOMATHEMATICS’ IMPACT ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING, AND EQUITY IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION,” Apr. 2024, doi: 10.5281/ZENODO.11069253.

R. A. Pratama and T. Y. Yelken, “EFFECTIVENESS OF ETHNOMATHEMATICS-BASED LEARNING ON STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICAL LITERACY: A META-ANALYSIS STUDY,” Discov. Educ., vol. 3, no. 1, p. 202, Oct. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-024-00309-1.

P. Kyeremeh, F. Kwadwo Awuah, and E. Dorwu, “INTEGRATION OF ETHNOMATHEMATICS IN TEACHING GEOMETRY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND BIBLIOMETRIC REPORT,” J. Urban Math. Educ., vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 68–89, Dec. 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.21423/jume-v16i2a519.

J. L. Harding, “ETHNOMATHEMATICS AFFIRMED THROUGH COGNITIVE MATHEMATICS AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: QUALITY MATHEMATICS TEACHING AND LEARNING BENEFITS,” in Handbook of Cognitive Mathematics, M. Danesi, Ed., Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021, pp. 1–30. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44982-7_5-1.

A. S. Nur, S. B. Waluya, R. Rochmad, and W. Wardono, “CONTEXTUAL LEARNING WITH ETHNOMATHEMATICS IN ENHANCING THE PROBLEM SOLVING BASED ON THINKING LEVELS,” JRAMathEdu J. Res. Adv. Math. Educ., vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 331–344, Sep. 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.23917/jramathedu.v5i3.11679.

S. W. Danoebroto, “TEACHERS’ EFFORTS TO PROMOTE STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICAL THINKING USING ETHNOMATHEMATICS APPROACH,” Math. Teach. Res. J., vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 207–231, 2024.

A. Ata Baran and T. Kabael, “AN INVESTIGATION OF EIGHTH-GRADERS’ MATHEMATICAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCY AND MATHEMATICAL LITERACY PERFORMANCE,” J. Educ. Res., vol. 116, no. 4, pp. 216–229, Jul. 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2023.2250752.

A. Awi, M. A. Naufal, S. Sutamrin, and M. Huda, “ENHANCING GEOMETRY ACHIEVEMENT IN PRE-SERVICE MATHEMATICS TEACHERS: THE IMPACT OF A SCAFFOLDED FLIPPED CLASSROOM USING A LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM,” J. Ecohumanism, vol. 3, no. 6, pp. 637–645, Sep. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v3i6.4035.

A. Q. Fouze and M. Amit, “THE IMPORTANCE OF ETHNOMATHEMATICS EDUCATION,” Creat. Educ., vol. 14, no. 04, pp. 729–740, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2023.144048.

I. Owusu-Darko, R. Sabtiwu, F. Doe, B. Owusu-Mintah, and E. K. Ofosu, “AKAN ETHNOMATHEMATICS: DEMONSTRATING ITS PEDAGOGICAL ACTION ON THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF MENSURATION AND GEOMETRY,” J. Math. Sci. Teach., vol. 3, no. 2, p. em042, Jul. 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.29333/mathsciteacher/13281.

J. Ja’faruddin and M. A. Naufal, “ETHNOMATHEMATICS: TWO DIMENSIONAL FIGURE GEOMETRY CONCEPT IN THE BALLA LOMPOA TRADITIONAL HOUSE IN SOUTH SULAWESI,” Mosharafa J. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 667–674, Jul. 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.31980/mosharafa.v12i3.2769.

W.-H. Chen and Ja’faruddin, “TRADITIONAL HOUSES AND PROJECTIVE GEOMETRY: BUILDING NUMBERS AND PROJECTIVE COORDINATES,” J. Appl. Math., vol. 2021, pp. 1–25, Aug. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9928900.

H. Pathuddin, Kamariah, and M. I. Nawawi, “BUGINESE ETHNOMATHEMATICS: BARONGKO CAKE EXPLORATIONS AS MATHEMATICS LEARNING RESOURCES,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 295–312, May 2021.doi: https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.12.2.12695.295-312

D. Muhtadi, S. Sukirwan, W. Warsito, and R. C. I. Prahmana, “SUNDANESE ETHNOMATHEMATICS: MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES IN ESTIMATING, MEASURING, AND MAKING PATTERNS,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 185–198, Feb. 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.8.2.4055.185-198.

Y. Huang, J. Nong, and P. Lai, “THE ETHNOMATHEMATICS OF CHINESE TULOU BUILDING ARCHITECTURE AS GEOMETRY TEACHING MATERIAL IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL,” J. Teach. Learn. Elem. Educ. JTLEE, vol. 4, no. 2, p. 148, Aug. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.33578/jtlee.v4i2.7881.

H. Anisa, “INSKRIPSI PADA KOMPLEKS MAKAM LA MADDUSILA DAN KOMPLEKS MAKAM WE TENRI OLLE DI KABUPATEN BARRU,” Thesis, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, 2023. Accessed: Jan. 02, 2025. [Online]. Available: http://repository.unhas.ac.id/id/eprint/27561/2/F071191047_skripsi_03-05-2023%20bab%201-3.pdf

E. Hariansah, “RIWAYAT RATU TANETE WE TENRIOLLE,” Attoriolong. Accessed: Jan. 02, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://attoriolong.com/2019/03/riwayat-ratu-tanete-we-tenriolle/

J. W. Creswell and J. D. Creswell, RESEARCH DESIGN: QUALITATIVE, QUANTITATIVE, AND MIXED METHODS APPROACHES, 6th ed. SAGE Publications, Inc., 2023.

J. W. Creswell and C. N. Poth, QUALITATIVE INQUIRY & RESEARCH DESIGN: CHOOSING AMONG FIVE APPROACHES, Fourth. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE, 2018.

M. B. Miles, A. M. Huberman, and J. Saldaña, QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS: A METHODS SOURCEBOOK, Edition 3. Los Angeles London New Delhi Singapore Washington DC: Sage, 2014.

A. Zaki, U. Mulbar, A. Husniati, and M. A. Naufal, “INTEGRATING LOCAL WISDOM WITH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING TO ENHANCE 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS IN THE SOCIETY 5.0 ERA,” J. Ecohumanism, vol. 3, no. 7, pp. 1821–1831, Oct. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v3i7.4341.

D. C. Alexander and G. M. Koeberlein, ELEMENTARY GEOMETRY FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS, 7th ed. United State of America: Cengage Learning, Inc., 2019.

G. E. Martin, TRANSFORMATION GEOMETRY. in Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics. New York, NY: Springer New York, 1982. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5680-9.

M. Ashari, “STUDI BENTUK, FUNGSI DAN MAKNA ORNAMEN MAKAM DI KOMPLEKS MAKAM RAJA-RAJA BUGIS,” Dewa Ruci J. Pengkaj. Dan Pencipta. Seni, vol. 8, no. 3, Feb. 2016, doi: https://doi.org/10.33153/dewaruci.v8i3.1135.

Published
2025-09-01
How to Cite
[1]
M. A. Naufal, “ETHNOMATHEMATICS IN ARCHITECTURE: EXPLORING GEOMETRY AND PATTERNS IN THE WE TENRI OLLE TOMB”, BAREKENG: J. Math. & App., vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 2481-2494, Sep. 2025.
Issue
Vol 19 No 4 (2025): BAREKENG: Journal of Mathematics and Its Application
Section
Articles

Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Ammar Naufal, Ja'faruddin Ja'faruddin, Satrina Satrina, Lhenny Ardillah Latif, Gita Eka Novianti, Risaldi Risaldi, Fadhel Muhammad, Muhammad Nasiru Hassan

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Authors who publish with this Journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Author retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a creative commons attribution license that allow others to share the work within an acknowledgement of the work’s authorship and initial publication of this journal.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangement for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal’s published version of the work (e.g. acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal).
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g. in institutional repositories or on their websites) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published works.