The aim of this research was to investigate the know-how in the production of rabecas in
Bragança-PA and the mathematical relations proceeded by this context. The empirical
research was constituted by systematical observations of the process of artisanal production of
rabecas, considering the artisans’ practice. From the ethnomathematical viewpoint, the
research occurred through filming, interviews and photo records of their relationship with the
local culture, highlighting the Marujada Festival which happens every year in Bragança,
whereabouts the rabecas are part of this tradition. This research search for the comprehension
of the traditional know-how in the production of rabecas and the mathematical knowledge that
are established as an organized knowledge, with a logic that is parallel to science, however
completing it at the same time. The methodological concepts were based on the principles of
qualitative research made in-loco, when the process of production of rabecas was
accompanied in all the stages. The ethnomathematics was the theoretical support used to
comprehend the field observation. The results showed us that the artisans have a unique logic
for measuring and establishing mathematical comparisons using parts of the body and the
senses such as hearing, seeing and feeling. The knowledge of masters in producing rabecas is
only a different way to think about the empirical knowledge as part of science ans the
mathematical know-how, commonly taught by formal education.
|
