Ethnomathematical Exploration of Kasepuhan Palace Architecture: Geometry, Symmetry, and Cultural Values in Mathematics Learning

Siti Fathimah; Hanifa Afra Aini; Zeldha Almaysa Kafka; Lisna Maolina Rahmayanti; Arif Muchyidin

doi:10.58421/misro.v4i4.587

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58421/misro.v4i4.587

Authors

Siti Fathimah UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4944-734X
Hanifa Afra Aini UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon
Zeldha Almaysa Kafka UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon
Lisna Maolina Rahmayanti UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon
Arif Muchyidin UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1598-6928

Keywords:

Cultural Heritage, Ethnomathematics, Geometry, Keraton Kasepuhan, Mathematical Concepts

Abstract

The Kasepuhan Cirebon Palace is one of the historical sites that still stand in Cirebon City and reflect the local community's cultural heritage, including ethnomathematical practices embedded in daily life. This study aims to analyse the ethnomathematical aspects of the Kasepuhan Palace as a source of contextual mathematics learning. This qualitative research employed an ethnographic approach and was conducted in the Pekalipan area of Cirebon City. The data were collected from a building complex (Keraton Kasepuhan), and one informant was selected based on their role as cultural custodians (Abdi Dalem). Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings suggest that the architectural structure, floor patterns, and carved ornaments of the Kasepuhan Palace incorporate various mathematical concepts, including geometry, angles, symmetry, and measurement. These concepts appear in the spatial layout, pillar arrangement, and shapes such as rectangles, triangles, cuboids, limas, and tubes. The study suggests that incorporating the ethnomathematical elements of the Kasepuhan Palace into mathematics learning can enhance students’ understanding of geometric concepts while fostering their appreciation for local cultural wisdom. However, this study is limited to one palace complex and a small number of informants; future research could expand to other historical sites or compare multiple palaces to enrich the ethnomathematical analysis.

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