Geometry from Africa (Classroom Resource Materials) [Paperback]

Paulus Gerdes (Author)

Book Description

Series: Classroom Resource Materials | Publication Date: April 1, 1999

This book draws on geometric ideas from cultural activities from Subsaharan Africa, and demonstrates how they may be explored to develop mathematical reasoning from school level through to university standard. Paulus Gerdes provides a thoroughly illustrated and researched exploration of mathematical ideas, motifs and patterns. Many important mathematical points are brought to the fore, not via the formal 'theorem-proof' method, but in a more schematic and diagrammatic manner. African artifacts, oral traditions, sand drawing and other forms of artwork with a geometric basis, all provide mathematical ideas for discussion in this unique book. Mathematicians and teachers of mathematics at all levels will be fascinated, as will anybody with an interest in African cultures.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Gerdes presents us a rare mathematical gift. Through him we learn of the diversity, richness and pleasure of mathematical ideas found in sub-Saharan Africa. From a careful reading and working through this delightful book, one will find a fresh approach to mathematical inquiry as well as encounter a subtle challenge to Eurocentric discourses concerning the when , where, who and why of mathematics. -- Arthur Powell, Rutgers University

Book Description

This book draws on geometric ideas from cultural activities from Subsaharan Africa, and demonstrates how they may be explored to develop mathematical reasoning from school level through to university standard. Mathematicians and teachers of mathematics at all levels will be fascinated, as will anybody with an interest in African cultures.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883857154
• ISBN-13: 978-0883857151
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,154,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 2000 CHOICE Magazine Outstanding Academic Book, March 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Geometry from Africa (Classroom Resource Materials) (Paperback)

CHOICE Magazine selected "Geometry from Africa" as one of the Outstanding Academic Books of 2000.

"The author expertly blends art, mathematics and lore, thereby giving the reader a greater appreciation of African culture... Gerdes' volume is a significant contribution to the literature of non-european centric mathematics. All of the mathematical ideas are accessible to undergraduates" CHOICE

"Are you a mathematics teacher seeking new sources for ideas? This book may be just what you are looking for.... With copious illustrations, the author shows how geometrical ideas are manifested in the work of African artisans... One does not have to be a mathematician to appreciate the illustrations in this book"

AAAS Science Books and Films

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Art as mathematical achievement, February 18, 2001

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Geometry from Africa (Classroom Resource Materials) (Paperback)

The combination of mathematics and art is one that has not been explored to the depths that it should have been. It is true that the explosion of fractals in the 1980's led to some examination of how mathematics can be used to create and explain art, but that is a specialized field. While most of the mathematical background of fractals was decades old, it was necessary for computing power to evolve before it could be completely developed. Lost in all of this was the simple beauty and underlying mathematics of folk art in non-industrial cultures. The word ethnomathematics has been coined to describe the study of this art form and as the title suggests, this book is an ethnomathematical study of the art of Africa.
The beauty of the designs in simple items such as pots, hats and the walls of huts made from dung is often striking and always beautiful. It is sad to learn that much of the art that was handed down for generations has been lost due to disruptions of the African cultures as a consequence of the clash with Western culture. It is also simultaneously gratifying that most of the remaining forms of this folk art are being archived, cataloged, and studied. It makes one proud to be a member of an organization that is actively supporting this movement by publishing books like this one.
While the bulk of the book consists of pictures of the artwork, there are sections where the images are analyzed for the mathematical basis behind the design. As those who have studied the golden section have repeatedly noted, the human eye has a natural affinity for patterns possessing certain mathematical characteristics. It is even argued that some geometric theorems could have been suggested by looking at the artwork. There are also several places where suggestions are made for craft work that could be done by children of all ages.
It is generally conceded that geometry as we know it originated in Egypt. Reading this book, it is clear that we can expand our common mathematical heritage if we do not restrict our study to the Northeast corner of the African continent.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.