Artisan mathematics: the know-how in house buildings

Abstract

In this article, we present considerations related to the artisan mathematics of a group of construction workers who collaborated in the production of empirical material in a doctoral dissertation defended by the first author in October 2020. The Discursive Textual Analyze by Moraes and Galiazzi (2016) is the methodology used for data production. In this text, we address the question: How does artisan mathematics contribute to know-how in house buildings? In line with this problem, we outline the objectives: to discuss the know-how of artisan mathematics with a group of construction workers and to explain part of the craftsmanship in the technique of their mathematical know-how. We interpret three situations highlighted by the artisans: the use of stones to mark the roof trusses, the projection of wood for perfect fitting points, and the chamfering of a wall when the terrain is sloping. In the results, we reaffirm this mathematics through social approximations, imagination, and hand techniques.

Keywords

• educação
• etnomatemática
• matemática
• práticas artesãs