Mathematics of Piña weaving: An ethnomathematics study

Abstract

Pina weaving is a long-lived tradition depicting the rich history of Philippines, the resiliency of Filipinos, the art and culture of Akeanons, and the underlying mathematical concepts in it. This paper identifies the various mathematical concepts embedded in Pina weaving, the ways on how the Pina weavers learned, developed and applied the concepts of mathematics in Pina weaving, and the perceptions of the Pina weavers on the importance of mathematics in producing standard outputs. This ethnographic study highlights the lived experiences of Pina weavers in mathematical context. This paper utilized qualitative research methodology to investigate mathematical concepts applied in Piña weaving in Aklan. The data obtained from ethnographic interview, participant observation, field notes, audio-recording, pictures, and videos underwent extensive thematic analysis. The Pina weavers in Aklan who were selected purposively based on the criteria were interviewed and observed for days in order to identify the various mathematical concepts that they applied in Pina weaving, hear their stories on how they learned, developed and applied the concept of mathematics in Pina weaving, and understand their perceptions on the importance of mathematics in producing standard outputs.