Ethnomathematics in indigenous Ulwas community of Karawala, Autonomous South Atlantic Region, Nicaragua

Abstract

This research examined the ethno-mathematical knowledge that the Ulwas indigenous people possesses, who are located in Karawala community, South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS), based on the identification of sociocultural manifestations that the ethno-mathematical ancestral knowledge represents. The research was qualitative with anthropological approach. Observation guides were made, interviews and focus groups with leaders, community authorities, teachers and elders. Among the results obtained, it reflects the Counting Numerical System with the Fingers. This counting was done by the Ulwas ancestors with their fingers and toes. In the Measurement System several elements were identified as measuring units, such as the stick, the gourd, and the knots on liana. They also employed the use of geometric knowledge in traditional housing construction, and development of fish trap and grinding stone. These inputs contribute to the cultural revitalization of the Ulwas indigenous people and to the curricular management in the Regional Autonomous Education Subsystem (SEAR), which should be adopted in the curricular transformation of the Bilingual Intercultural Education program.