Exploration Ethnomathematics in Traditional Games of Mancala in Africa and Congklak in Indonesia

  • Rita Suharti State Junior High School 01 Bengkulu City
  • Krishna Prashad Bhatt Tribhuvan University
  • Owolabi Yemi Tolulope Kwara State College of Education Oro
  • Yahya A Sambo Aminu Saleh College of Education Azare
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37251/ijome.v3i1.1594
Keywords: Congklak, Ethnomathematics, Mancala, Mathematics Education, Traditional Games

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Study this aiming for explore draft ethnomathematics in game traditional Mancala in Africa and congklak in Indonesia use understand relatedness between culture and mathematics in context game.

Methodology: With use approach qualitative ethnography, research this collect data through observation participatory, interview in-depth, and documentation to Mancala players in Ghana and congklak in Sumatra, as well as educators at school basis. Research results show that second game this involving draft mathematics like pattern numbers, distribution strategy, operations count, and thinking logical and probable.

Main Findings: Experienced players show natural mathematical thinking through efficient strategies. While Mancala remains popular in Ghana, congklak is declining in Indonesia. Observations indicate traditional games have strong potential in culture-based math education. Thus, preservation and innovation are needed to integrate them contextually into learning.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this research lies in the exploration of the concept of ethnomathematics in the games Mancala in Africa and congklak in Indonesia through a qualitative ethnographic approach, which has not been studied in depth.

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Published
2025-05-03
How to Cite
Suharti, R., Bhatt, K. P., Tolulope, O. Y., & Sambo, Y. A. (2025). Exploration Ethnomathematics in Traditional Games of Mancala in Africa and Congklak in Indonesia. Interval: Indonesian Journal of Mathematical Education, 3(1), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.37251/ijome.v3i1.1594
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): June
Section
Articles

Copyright (c) 2025 Rita Suharti, Krishna Prashad Bhatt, Owolabi Yemi Tolulope, Yahya A Sambo

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