Indonesian Journal of Educational Science (IJES)
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Educational Science (IJES) : July 2026

An Ethnomathematical Exploration of Geometric Transformations in Torajan Paruki Woven Fabrics

Muhammad Nurhusain (Mathematics Education Study Program, STKIP YPUP Makassar, Indonesia)
Nur Asrawati (Mathematics Education Study Program, STKIP YPUP Makassar, Indonesia)
Suri Lembang (Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Kristen Indonesia Toraja)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study explored the ethnomathematical aspects of Paruki woven fabrics preserved at the La Galigo Museum by identifying geometric transformations embedded in their motifs and discussing their pedagogical implications for teaching transformation geometry. Paruki woven fabric is a traditional Torajan textile historically associated with ceremonial practices, including Rambu Solo'. The study employed an exploratory qualitative design informed by ethnographic principles, using artifact observation, semi-structured interviews with museum professionals, and document analysis. The findings revealed that the motifs embodied translation, reflection, rotation, and proportional scaling. Translation was the dominant transformation, while reflection and rotation were observed in symmetrical and repetitive motif arrangements, and proportional scaling was identified through similar geometric figures of different sizes. These mathematical patterns were interpreted alongside their cultural meanings, demonstrating the value of Paruki woven fabrics as culturally meaningful contexts for learning transformation geometry. This study extends ethnomathematics research by linking Torajan textile motifs with transformation geometry concepts and highlighting their potential to support culturally responsive mathematics education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijes

Publisher

Subject

Other

Description

Indonesian Journal of Educational Science (IJES) is a journal managed by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of West Sulawesi University which will publish articles of research related to Role of technology in education, application of psychological concepts to education, importance ...