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Science &
Mathematics |
African Heritage Classroom Science and Mathematics The Rear Wall
Frieze The frieze
honors African mathematical and scientific sys
tems. Reading from left to right, the frieze depicts: PROBLEM SIX FROM PHARAONIC EGYPT'S RHIND MATHEMATICAL PAPYRUS - how to divide nine loaves
of bread among 10 men so that each
receives the fewest number of
pieces, each of the same size AKAN
symbols for addition, multiplication, and division. AKAN GOLD WEIGHT – used to measure and weigh gold. MAGIC SQUARE – created by Nigerian Muslim scholar
Muhammad ibn Muhammad in the 18th century. The numbers add to 15
horizontally, vertically, and along both diagonals. The square contains an
intentional error. SUN AND SIRIUS as represented by the Dogon people of
Mali. The key to creation for the Dogon is a small star that revolves around
Sirius. Scientists are baffled by the origin of this concept among the Dogon
since the star of Sirius is almost invisible to the unaided eye. DOGON UNIVERSE – the Dogon of Mali picture the universe
as a structure having the sun as a circular base with steps leading up to a
square top, the sky, holding a circular moon. |
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