Javanese Ethnomathematics in Building Symbolic Systems and Visual Aesthetics

Abstract

Javanese ethnic cultural works are generated from its philosophical thought, yet there is no local method used as a basis for approaching its aesthetic objects. Petungan, a practice of ethnomathematics, has been employed by premodern Javanese society to calculate all aspects of life. This qualitative study aims to investigate Javanese ethnomathematics, interpreting the value and meaning of numbers in the creation of symbols and visual forms. This research employing an ethnographic approach with analytical methods to find aesthetic principles from the logical structure of Javanese philosophy in building visual form. The results show that numbers are directly involved in constructing visual symbols and aesthetics in architectural motifs or batik patterns. Numbers are connected with belief values, character, cosmic elements, and metaphysics. Numbers are part of human life related to the cosmic system. The number five (sacred five) is used as a basis for calculations in petungan, serving as a measured guideline for determining life safety and prosperity. The number five, derived from the philosophy of keblat papat lima pancer, is a symbol that represents and unifies all cosmic elements: humans, nature, and their creator. The numbers two, three, four, and five manifest in visual symbols forming basic geometric shapes. These geometric patterns are arranged aesthetically through concepts of geometric transformations, reflection, translation, dilation, and rotation. Conclusion: The Javanese numerical system has a solid structure in creating decorative visual forms. When combined with petungan, there is potential to develop methods for calculating and building compositions that meet Javanese aesthetic ideal ratios