Malagasy SIKIDY: A case in ethnomathematics (Q1379993)

In a very original and comprehensive paper, the author studies the mathematical ideas embodied in a divinatory art in Madagascar. Mathematically, this art, known as sikidy, draws on symbolic logic, concepts of parity and parity checking. Historically, the sikidy is traced to chroniclers of early 17th century. Although it is possible to recognize Arabic influences in the practice of the sidiky, the author claims that it has deep roots in Malagasy culture. The author gives another important contribution to the identification of mathematical ideas in diverse cultural environments, with different foci but always having an important effect in daily life.