Keywords
cultural heritage
ethnomathematics
geometric patterns
symmetry
How to Cite
Abstract
This study examines the geometric patterns woven into traditional Albanian carpets from an ethnomathematics perspective, with the aim of uncovering the interplay between mathematics and cultural heritage. The use of symmetrical shapes, rhythmic repetitions, and geometric compositions in carpet motifs attests to an innate mathematical knowledge, developed and transmitted from generation to generation through oral tradition and artisanal practice. The analysis relies on visual documentation and measurement of decorative elements from different regional samples, highlighting features such as axial and rotational symmetry, proportional ratios, and simple fractal structures. The results show that Albanian artisans have intuitively applied advanced mathematical principles, which serve not only for aesthetic purposes but also to preserve cultural identity and stylistic coherence. By documenting these geometric structures, this research contributes to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in the face of globalization and industrialization. Furthermore, the findings provide a foundation for integrating artistic heritage into mathematics education, fostering meaningful connections between culture and science while enabling future generations to appreciate and preserve this rich tradition. This study enriches the ethnomathematics literature and demonstrates how cultural artifacts can serve as bridges between past knowledge and contemporary educational practice, ensuring the continuity of heritage for the future.
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