However, some items have been reviewed in Mathematical Reviews , published by The American Mathematical Society. Subscribing institutions can access the more recent MR reviews online through MathSciNet . As the author observes, the philosopher Wittgenstein pointed to the problem of tracing graphs or figures as one that everyone can recognize as mathematical. Related problems have occurred in a variety of cultures. In western Europe, problems of tracing graphs or figures have occurred in Danish folk puzzles, where they were used as an alternative to dancing.
Similar problems occur in other cultures as well.
The article focuses on the context of the puzzles and the methods used to solve them in New Ireland and the Republic of Vanuatu, especially on the island of Malekula. A number of designs from Vanuatu have mythic significance. The methods used to draw the diagrams are also very interesting. In many cases, Ascher shows how individual drawing elements are transformed by processes such as reflection and rotation and are combined in systematic ways to draw the figure. Other types of mathematical ideas from Malekula include a drum signaling system with rhythms for each clan, rank, grade of pig, and special phrases, and a six-class marriage system which the elders explained with diagrams in the sand.