Indigenous Mathematics I. Smoke Telegraphy

TL;DR

This paper explores Indigenous Australian mathematical knowledge, specifically smoke telegraphy, highlighting its cultural significance and potential to enrich mathematical education and research.

Contribution

It introduces and discusses the mathematical concept of smoke telegraphy among Indigenous Australians, emphasizing its cultural importance and educational relevance.

Findings

Smoke telegraphy as a form of Indigenous communication

Mathematical principles underlying smoke signals

Potential for integrating Indigenous knowledge into education

Abstract

This article is the first in an occasional series for the Australian Mathematical Society Gazette on diverse aspects and topics of Indigenous mathematical knowledge. This is an important, but neglected, part of the mathematical heritage of humankind, and as such is the concern of the mathematics community as a whole. It is hoped that this and future articles may help to inspire mathematics researchers, students, and educators at tertiary and school levels who are seeking to widen their mathematical horizons and develop course and research materials of broad cultural relevance. I would like to honour the Mithaka peoples of the Kurrawoolben and Kirrenderri (Diamantina) and Nooroondinna (Georgina) river channel country of south-western Qld, Australia. The material in this article does not involve culturally restricted knowledge or images, and is shared with respect for the Mithaka ancestors and their descendants.