Ethnomathematical Exploration of the Javanese Adrem Cake

Muhammad Mahlil Aliman Maba, Deny Hadi Siswanto, Muhammad Yusuf Rambe

Abstract


This study employs a qualitative descriptive method with an educational ethnography approach to explore and describe the mathematical concepts embedded in the cultural practice of making the traditional Adrem cake among the Javanese community. The main objective of this research is to examine how cultural activities reflect systematic and structured mathematical thinking. Data were collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and visual documentation involving traditional cake artisans, mathematics teachers, and elementary school students engaged in culture-based learning. The validity of the data was ensured through source and method triangulation, while the data analysis followed the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal the practical application of several mathematical concepts such as geometry (symmetry and folding), ratio and proportion, spatial volume, and sequence and repetition patterns in each stage of the Adrem cake-making process. These results emphasize that culture-based mathematics learning enhances students’ conceptual understanding, analytical thinking skills, and appreciation of local wisdom. Therefore, ethnomathematics serves as a bridge between formal mathematics and the social-cultural practices of the community

Keywords


Ethnomathematics; Adrem Cake; Geometry; Volume; Sequence Pattern

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/sigmadidaktika.v14i1.91703

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