Fundamental Applications of Mathematics in Agriculture and Cultural Heritage in Daily Life of Melanau Tellian, Mukah, Sarawak: An Ethnomathematics Review

Abstract

Mathematics has been measured as a neutral subject and not related to any culture or a society. Learning Mathematics in the modern education system nowadays is an adoption from many parts of the world. This ethnomathematics review is to discover culture and mathematics related to the daily life people of Melanau Tellian in Mukah Sarawak. This study uses a qualitative approach, ethnographic methods and principal such as observation, interview, collecting data and documentation from the fieldwork. The findings showed that the foundation of the Melanau people in Tellian Mukah is essentially based on numbers or Mathematics. It shows in the Melanau’s belief system, social system, traditional games, architecture and in daily practice and tradition. There is a line of relationship between mathematics and culture in this study which can be an initial point for further preservation of Melanau Tellian cultural heritage.