Ethnomathematics in Boti tribe culture and its integration

Abstract

Abstract The development of ethnomathematics is an indication of an increase in awareness of the importance of learning mathematics in culture and involves cultural aspects in mathematics learning in schools. As one of the ancient tribes in Timor, Boti Tribe is almost unapproachable by the modern culture. Learning mathematics based on Boti culture will help students learn mathematics realistically and also introduce Boti culture to more people. The present research claims a qualitative approach with an ethnographic design that aims to explore the mathematical elements found in the culture of Boti Tribe. The subject of this research is the Boti Dalam Tribe, which implements Boti cultural traditions in everyday life. The objects examined in this study are the calendar of Boti Tribe, lopo, and the typical woven fabric of Boti Tribe. The results show that the concepts of numbers and their operations, geometry, and algebra are apparent in the culture of Boti Tribe. Also, mathematical skills such as representation, spatial, making connections, and problem-solving skills can be developed based on mathematical elements in Boti Tribe culture. This study can be used by teachers to create innovative mathematics learning models using ethnomathematics approaches based on Boti culture.