Member-only story

African Mathematics: From Bones to Computers

Jamie Blair

·9.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Farley Mowat

4 min read

569 View Claps

84 Respond

Save

Listen

African mathematics has a rich and long history, dating back to ancient times. From the use of bones for counting to the development of complex mathematical systems, African mathematicians have made significant contributions to the field. This article explores the history of African mathematics, from its early beginnings to its modern-day applications.

African Mathematics: From Bones to Computers

by Farley Mowat

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	569 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

Early Beginnings

The earliest evidence of mathematical activity in Africa dates back to the Ishango Bone, a bone tool discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo that is estimated to be between 20,000 and 40,000 years old. The bone is marked with a series of notches, which some researchers believe may have been used for counting or as a form of early mathematics.

Other early evidence of African mathematics can be found in the rock art of the Sahara Desert. These paintings and carvings depict scenes of people counting, measuring, and using geometry. One of the most famous examples is the "Tassili N'Ajjer" rock painting, which shows a group of people using a measuring stick to determine the height of a tree.

The Development of Mathematical Systems

By the time of the ancient Egyptians, African mathematicians had developed a sophisticated system of mathematics. The Egyptians used a base-10 number system, which was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans. They also developed a system of hieroglyphic numerals, which were used to write numbers.

The Egyptians also made significant advances in geometry. They developed the concept of the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. They also developed a system of surveying, which allowed them to measure land and calculate the area of fields.

The knowledge of mathematics that was developed in ancient Egypt was later transmitted to other parts of Africa, including Nubia, Ethiopia, and West Africa. In West Africa, the Yoruba people developed a complex system of mathematics that was used for trade, navigation, and astronomy.

Mathematics in the Modern Era

In the modern era, African mathematicians have continued to make significant contributions to the field. In the 19th century, the Senegalese mathematician Cheikh Anta Diop developed a new theory of African history that challenged the Eurocentric view of the world. Diop's work helped to spark a new interest in African mathematics and its history.

In the 20th century, the African mathematician Thomas Sankara developed a new mathematical model for economic development. Sankara's model was based on the idea of self-reliance, and it helped to inspire the development of a new economic order in Africa.

Today, African mathematicians are working in a wide range of fields, including computer science, statistics, and finance. They are also developing new mathematical models to address the challenges facing Africa, such as poverty, disease, and climate change.

African mathematics has a rich and long history, dating back to ancient times. From the use of bones for counting to the development of complex mathematical systems, African mathematicians have made significant contributions to the field. Today, African mathematicians are continuing to make valuable contributions to the field, and they are playing a vital role in addressing the challenges facing Africa.

African Mathematics: From Bones to Computers

by Farley Mowat

4.6 out of 5