EKPLORASI WARISAN BUDAYA CUCUFI HULOBATU TERHADAP KONSEP BANGUN DATAR

Abstract

This study aims to explore mathematical concepts embedded in the cultural heritage.
of the Nias people—specifically in the Batu Islands and Tello Island—through an
ethnomathematical analysis of the Cucufi, a container for rice and betel nut used in
local daily life. Ethnomathematics is a field of study that links mathematical concepts.
with the activities, knowledge, practices, and cultural heritage of a community. This
approach is significant in mathematics education because it connects abstract
concepts with students' real-life experiences and cultural environments, thereby
making learning more contextual, meaningful, and accessible. The study employs a
qualitative descriptive method with an ethnographic approach. Data were gathered.
through observation, interviews, documentation, and an examination of the Cucufi's
manufacturing process and physical form. The Cucufi is a cultural artifact woven
from the dried, flattened, and dyed stems of a swamp plant known in the Nias
language as Sinasa (Eleocharis dulcis), utilizing traditional weaving techniques.
Analysis involved identifying the activities, patterns, shapes, dimensions, and
geometric structures of the Cucufi and relating them to mathematical concepts,
particularly those concerning two-dimensional shapes. The exploration reveals that
The Cucufi's form and creation process embody geometric concepts that can serve
as a context for mathematics instruction. The findings indicate that the Cucufi
Cultural heritage holds potential as an ethnomathematics-based learning resource.
helping students grasp mathematical concepts through cultural experiences
relevant to their lives. Furthermore, culture-based learning has the potential to boost
learning motivation, deepen conceptual understanding, and foster an appreciation
for the preservation of the Nias community's local cultural heritage.