Mathematics Elsewhere: An Exploration of Ideas Across Cultures
In a follow-up to Ascher's highly recommended Ethnomathematics,  this scholarly work describes the anthropology of mathematical  ideas in traditional societies and shows how the same ideas  might be expressed by standard mathematical expressions.  Examples include traditional calendars, fortune-telling devices,  systems of family and societal relationships, stick-charts used  as navigation maps by Polynesian cultures, and "kolam" sand  paintings made by Tamil Nadu women in India. It is particularly  interesting to see how people with no separate mathematical  language made practical use of sophisticated mathematical ideas.  For example, sikidy, an African method of divination, was used  for hundreds of years before its mathematical ideas emerged in  modern mathematics. While not ideal for young math students  (they should check out Claudia Zaslavsky's Multicultural Math  Classroom and Math Games & Activities from Around the World),  this is an excellent choice for advanced math students.Amy  Brunvand, Univ. of Utah Lib., Salt Lake CityCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.