Otthava

In the book Otthava: Making Baskets and Doing Geometry in the Makhuwa Culture in the Northeast of Mozambique I reflect on practices in the Makhuwa culture which provide evidence of the geometric considerations operating in basket weaving and are suitable and appropriate for mathematical and educational exploration. A proper scientific understanding of this knowledge and the educational value of these manifestations may lead to a better appreciation of the Makhuwa culture. The practices I present in this book belong to the cultural sphere of 'otthava' - weaving plaiting interweaving interlacing braiding - that is to basket- and mat- weaving. The topics which are analysed are the making of funnels hats fish traps containers trays dance rattles purses decorated braids baskets and handbags knots and circular mats (292 pp.) Colour versions of the photographs in the book are published in a separate supplement.