Defining Aesthetic

Steve, Oct 17, 2022

This book is intended to accompany an activity for secondary Geometry teachers (or students) in learning about Adinkra symbols and their relationships with Geometry. The activities were created in collaboration with members of the GeT Transformations Working Group. Sources for interpretations include the 2021 text, Adinkra Symbols: A Modern Illustrated Look at Adinkra Symbols from the Akan People and Their Meanings, authored by Sandrine Appiah, as well as the 1998 text, The Adinkra Dictionary, authored by W. Bruce Willis.

Table of Contents

  1. Mathematical Aesthetic Part I
    1. Lesson Lauch
    2. Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo
    3. Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku
    4. Mmere Dane
    5. Kronti Ne Akwamu
    6. Nkɔnsɔnkɔnsɔn
    7. Bese Saka
  2. Mathematical Aesthetic Part II
    1. Interpretations and Connections
    2. Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo Interpretations
    3. Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku interpretations
    4. Mmere Dane interpretations
    5. Kronti Ne Akwamu interpretations
    6. Nkɔnsɔnkɔnsɔn interpretations
    7. Bese Saka interpretations
  3. Mathematical Aesthetic Part III
    1. Relationships and Definitions
    2. Call for mathematization of mutuality
    3. Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku connections
    4. Mmere Dane connections
    5. Kronti Ne Akwamu connections
    6. Nkɔnsɔnkɔnsɔn connections
    7. Bese Saka connections
  4. Mathematical Aesthetic Part IV
    1. Design your own symbol

1.

Mathematical Aesthetic Part I

In this chapters, students will describe the mathematical aesthetics of Adinkra symbols without any referents to the symbols' English translations, interpretations, or cultural significance.

  • 1. Lesson Lauch
  • 2. Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo
  • 3. Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku
  • 4. Mmere Dane
  • 5. Kronti Ne Akwamu
  • 6. Nkɔnsɔnkɔnsɔn
  • 7. Bese Saka

1.1.

Lesson Lauch

In this chapter, there are representations of six Adinkra symbols, but no other information about the symbols is provided. As assigned by your instructor, identify the aspects of the symbols' [i]mathematical aesthetic [/i]that you notice.
– Steve

1.2.

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1.3.

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1.4.

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1.5.

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1.6.

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1.7.

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2.

Mathematical Aesthetic Part II

Second Read: This time, consider the English translation and description of its meaning. What connections do you see between the symbol's mathematical aesthetic and its meaning?

  • 1. Interpretations and Connections
  • 2. Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo Interpretations
  • 3. Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku interpretations
  • 4. Mmere Dane interpretations
  • 5. Kronti Ne Akwamu interpretations
  • 6. Nkɔnsɔnkɔnsɔn interpretations
  • 7. Bese Saka interpretations

2.1.

Interpretations and Connections

In this chapter, there are representations of six Adinkra symbols, along with information about the symbols meaning and interpretation. As assigned by your instructor, identify the aspects of the symbols' [i]mathematical aesthetic [/i]that you notice.
– Steve

2.2.

–

2.3.

–

2.4.

–

2.5.

–

2.6.

–

2.7.

–

3.

Mathematical Aesthetic Part III

Now that we've looked at several symbols, what connections can we make across aspects of their aesthetics?

  • 1. Relationships and Definitions
  • 2. Call for mathematization of mutuality
  • 3. Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku connections
  • 4. Mmere Dane connections
  • 5. Kronti Ne Akwamu connections
  • 6. Nkɔnsɔnkɔnsɔn connections
  • 7. Bese Saka connections

3.1.

Relationships and Definitions

– Steve

3.2.

–

3.3.

–

3.4.

–

3.5.

–

3.6.

–

3.7.

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4.

Mathematical Aesthetic Part IV

Design your own symbol, demonstrating your understandings of the mathematical aesthetics and meanings of Adinkra symbols.

  • 1. Design your own symbol

4.1.

Design your own symbol

Create your own symbol in which you identify and incorporate aspects of mathematical aesthetics for Adinkra symbols and their meanings.
You can choose to upload/create within the geogebra applet or the notes applet below.[br][br]As you consider your creation, describe:
[math]\bullet[/math]transformations (dilations, translations, rotations, reflections) incorporated and their relationships with the mathematical aesthetics of your symbol
[math]\bullet[/math]cultural significance of your symbol, including relationships to Adinkra meanings (such as mutuality)
Notes applet for creating a figure
Geogebra Applet for Creating your Figure
– Steve

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