Ethnic weaving patterns and geometry share common threads

Weavers of the Jama Mapun (literally 'people of Mapun') from Tawi-Tawi may not realize it, but they may be contributing to the development of mathematical theories in geometry of colored woven fabrics, an Ateneo de Manila University article said. 

This was discussed by Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette De Las Peñas, a Mathematics professor from Ateneo de Manila University and master mat weaver Janeth Hanapi in a lecture conducted on February 26.

The mathematician and master weaver discussed the confluence of their disciplines.

By using a combination of weaving and counting techniques, people of the Jama Mapun from Tawi-Tawi are able to create complex geometric designs by hand even without advanced mathematical training, De Las Peñas highlighted during the lecture.

The motifs used by the Jama Mapun community are woven directly into the mats relying only on a mental blueprint, without any need for paper or pencil, the report said.

The Jama Mapun's weaving include the use of a unique feature called the 'tupi' or fold where the weavers control the direction of a pandan leaf as they weave their designs.

This is the technique that will play a significant role in the development of mathematical theories in the geometry of colored woven fabrics, according to De Las Peñas.

The lecture was part of an ongoing research project called "Symmetries of Philippine Culture" headed by Dr. De Las Peñas, with Dr. Agnes Garciano and Dr. Debbie Verzosa of the Ateneo de Manila Mathematics Department.

The research project aims to study the designs and patterns in art forms done by Philippine ethnic communities. 

The different algebraic structures can be used as a framework to distinguish the artwork coming from a particular cultural community, the report said.

The study also aims to develop material for integrating an analysis of Philippine art forms within the school or university curriculum.

The research project is supported by the Ateneo de Manila Loyola Schools Scholarly Work grant.

Dr. De Las Peñas and her collaborators, Drs. Garciano and Verzosa, have also recently received a grant for a study on Mathematical Symmetries of Indigenous Philippine Artwork from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the report said. — Kim Luces