Ethnomathematics: An exploration of mathematical concepts in the Joglo traditional house

Abstract

This ethnomathematics research on joglo traditional houses to explore, describe and explore the philosophy and mathematical concepts of joglo traditional houses. This is qualitative research with an ethnographic approach, where data collection techniques are carried out through literature studies, observations, interviews, field notes, and documentation. Philosophically, the joglo traditional house has a meaning as a symbol of steadiness, tranquillity, and inner purpose. To achieve this, Javanese people believe that because humans are part of nature, they must pay attention to the surrounding nature in making a house. The exploration process is carried out by asking for related and trusted sources. Mathematical concepts in the Joglo Traditional House are the concepts of plane geometry, space geometry, congruence, symmetry, geometric transformations, algebra and numbers. The findings obtained in the plane geometry concept include trapezoids, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, kites and rhombuses. The concepts of geometric transformations found are translational, reflection, and tecellation. Furthermore, the concept found is the algebraic concept of intercropping; the concept found is the n-level intercropping area formula, namely(length+width) ×(n-1) ×length difference. The last concept found is the concept of numbers on intercropping; the numbers found are odd numbers. Thus, the joglo traditional house has the concept of flat planes, space building, transformation geometry, algebra and numbers, which can undoubtedly be used in learning.