Fundamentals of Mathematical Knowledge in the Traditional Culture of Evenks

Abstract

This article is devoted to an analysis of the main mathematical concepts of one of the indigenous peoples of the North: Evenks. This is the first attempt at the systematisation and understanding of Evenks’ accumulated stock of mathematical knowledge. The study has shown that the total mathematical knowledge of this group underlies the sociocultural environment and traditional way of life. The main function of mathematical concepts is to give information about the number of animals in the camp, and to specify the direction of movement during hunting. In addition, it is noted that mathematical representation is closely interrelated with the general knowledge about the world The selection of separate groups of numerals allows the author to specify the area in which they are used. Common geometric representation is reflected in the applied art.

Keywords

• evenks
• ethnomathematics
• folk traditions
• folk education
• north culture