Contradictions and narrowness of views in "The fables of Ishango, or the irresistible temptation of mathematical fiction", answers and updates (in English and in French)

TL;DR

This paper defends the interpretation of the Ishango rod as an early mathematical tool, addressing criticisms and updating the understanding of its significance in prehistoric arithmetic development.

Contribution

It provides a rebuttal to critiques of previous interpretations and offers updated insights into the mathematical implications of the Ishango rod.

Findings

Supports the view that the Ishango rod represents early arithmetic concepts

Clarifies the mathematical significance of the rod's markings

Reinforces the idea of base-10 and base-12 passages in prehistoric tools

Abstract

We answer to criticisms of O. Keller about our interpretation work on the Ishango rod, the oldest mathematical tool of humankind. Our hypothesis, that is widely accepted, is that this prehistoric rod is the first mankind manifestation of a basic arithmetic intention, with simple arithmetic operations and possibly showing passages between 10 and 12 bases.