Journal of Honai Math
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Honai Math

Ethnomathematical Knowledge Embedded in the Banua Oge Traditional House: A Cultural Analysis Through Bishop’s Fundamental Mathematical Activities

Rahdi Alwadia (Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Tadulako, Palu, Indonesia)
Mubarik (Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Tadulako, Palu, Indonesia)
Pathuddin (Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Tadulako, Palu, Indonesia)
Rita Lefrida (Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Tadulako, Palu, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Aug 2026

Abstract

Mathematics is frequently perceived by students as abstract, difficult, and disconnected from everyday experiences, resulting in diminished engagement and limited conceptual understanding. Although integrating cultural contexts into mathematics instruction has been widely acknowledged as an effective strategy for enhancing learning meaningfulness, studies that systematically utilize local architectural heritage, particularly the Banua Oge traditional house in Palu City, as a foundation for designing contextualized mathematics learning remain scarce. Accordingly, this qualitative study, employing an ethnographic approach, investigates the geometric and mathematical elements embedded in the architectural structure of the Banua Oge traditional house to inform the development of culturally grounded mathematics learning materials. Data were collected through participant observations, documentation, and semi-structured interviews with cultural experts, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, encompassing data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings demonstrate that the architectural features of the Banua Oge embody diverse mathematical concepts, including two-dimensional geometric figures, numerical concepts, spatial configurations, and Alan Bishop’s fundamental mathematical activities. These findings highlight the potential of local cultural heritage as a meaningful ethnomathematical resource for bridging formal mathematical concepts with students lived experiences. Finally, this study offers a culturally responsive pedagogical framework that supports teachers in designing mathematics instruction that is more contextual, engaging, and relevant, while contributing to the advancement of ethnomathematics and culturally grounded mathematics education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jhm

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics Social Sciences

Description

The journal provides an international forum for the sharing, dissemination and discussion of research, experience and perspectives across a wide range of education, teaching, development, instruction, educational projects and innovations, learning methodologies and new technologies in mathematics ...