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Exploring geometry and symmetry concepts in traditional handicrafts of the Dusun ethnic group in Kiulu, Tamparuli, Sabah: an ethnomathematical approach


Citation

Suali, M. and Wong, T. J. and Koo, L. F. and Abdul Sathar, M. H. (2026) Exploring geometry and symmetry concepts in traditional handicrafts of the Dusun ethnic group in Kiulu, Tamparuli, Sabah: an ethnomathematical approach. Malaysian Journal of Mathematical Sciences, 20 (2). pp. 625-640. ISSN 1823-8343

Abstract

Mathematics and culture are interrelated things in human life. Culture is a way of life that develops and is shared within a community. Meanwhile, mathematics is the knowledge humans use to solve everyday problems. The use of technology in community life aligns with the development of cultural skills or environmental activities, symbolizing the advancement of mathematical skills within that society. The traditional handcraft is a heritage time immemorial, especially among the Dusun ethnic group in Kiulu, Tamparuli Sabah, as they used it in their daily activities, especially during the harvest seasons. This paper presents the appropriate geometric and symmetry concepts applied in the traditional handicraft products of the Dusun Kiulu community. This study employed a qualitative ethnographic approach using interviews, participatory observation, video recording, and documentation from the fieldwork to explore geometric and symmetry concepts in Dusun traditional handicrafts. The results showed that geometric concepts such as lines and angles, circles, transformations, and curved side geometry applied to the traditional handicrafts products, such as "Barait", "Sirung" and "Nurod" basket of the Dusun Kiulu community.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Mathematics (all)
Divisions: Institute for Mathematical Research
Centre for Foundation Studies in Science of Universiti Putra Malaysia
Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.47836/mjms.20.2.09
Publisher: Universiti Putra Malaysia
Keywords: cultural; Dusun Kiulu; ethnomathematics; geometry; handicraft
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Depositing User: Ms. Siti Radziah Mohamed@mahmod
Date Deposited: 29 Jul 2026 02:06
Last Modified: 29 Jul 2026 02:06
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.47836/mjms.20.2.09
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/127447
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