Geometry from Africa: Mathematical and Educational Explorations (Classroom Resource Materials)

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.

Paulus Gerdes received his doctorates in mathematics, the history of mathematics, and mathematics education from the Universities of Dresden and Wuppertal (Germany). He has been a professor of mathematics at the Eduardo Mondlane University, and the Universidade Pedaggica in Mozambique for many years, serving as President from 1989-1996. He was a visiting professor at the University of Georgia from 1996 to 1998. He has served the African Mathematical Union as chair of the commission on the History of Mathematics in Africa since 1986, and was the secretary of the Southern African Mathematical Sciences Association 1991-1995.