Native American Mathematics
Abstract: This paper discusses the mathematics of the Native Americans inhabiting the vast lands north of present-day Mexico. The mathematical accomplishments of the Central and South American indigenous people are not a focus. The development of the number words, the recurrence of certain numerical themes in the art and architecture are noted. The paper presents the numbers and math as required to keep the records of cyclical time and possessions amassed in the cycle. Also discussed is the symbolic, mystical significance of the numbers.
Introduction
The American Indians north of Mexico did not create highly developed civilizations like the Indians of Mexico, Central and South America. The more complex the civilization, the need for …show more content…
“Counting on fingers was nearly universal among Indian tribes” (Landon, 1993, p. MA5). With the five fingers on one hand and the twenty digits on combined hands and feet, the Inuit created a base five/base twenty system. The Salish, Algonquin, Sioux, Athabaskan, and Iroquois tribes used a base ten system that corresponds to the ten human fingers. The Caddoan and Nootka people used a base twenty system, extending counting to the toes. An interesting variation on using the hand for a number system is the base eight/base sixteen system used by the Yuki (Landon, 1993, p. MA5). The Chumash tribe used a base four/base sixteen system. Rather than counting the digits, these tribes counted the spaces between the digits. In any event, the number systems indicate “a one-to-one correspondence with hand and feet (Landon, 1993, p. …show more content…
The Aztecs developed compasses, squares, plumb levels, and applied geometry for their building and measurement. Not only did they need these instruments for engineering their cities and edifices, but also for precise land measurement for taxation purposes (Landon, 1993, MA29). In contrast, the Omaha used a stake and a rawhide strap to make circles. Other North American native people, the Kwakuitl made right angles and squares with a system of cords and pegs by finding midpoints and doubling. (Landon, 1993, p.
Introduction
The American Indians north of Mexico did not create highly developed civilizations like the Indians of Mexico, Central and South America. The more complex the civilization, the need for …show more content…
“Counting on fingers was nearly universal among Indian tribes” (Landon, 1993, p. MA5). With the five fingers on one hand and the twenty digits on combined hands and feet, the Inuit created a base five/base twenty system. The Salish, Algonquin, Sioux, Athabaskan, and Iroquois tribes used a base ten system that corresponds to the ten human fingers. The Caddoan and Nootka people used a base twenty system, extending counting to the toes. An interesting variation on using the hand for a number system is the base eight/base sixteen system used by the Yuki (Landon, 1993, p. MA5). The Chumash tribe used a base four/base sixteen system. Rather than counting the digits, these tribes counted the spaces between the digits. In any event, the number systems indicate “a one-to-one correspondence with hand and feet (Landon, 1993, p. …show more content…
The Aztecs developed compasses, squares, plumb levels, and applied geometry for their building and measurement. Not only did they need these instruments for engineering their cities and edifices, but also for precise land measurement for taxation purposes (Landon, 1993, MA29). In contrast, the Omaha used a stake and a rawhide strap to make circles. Other North American native people, the Kwakuitl made right angles and squares with a system of cords and pegs by finding midpoints and doubling. (Landon, 1993, p.