Learning Sets Theory Using Shadow Puppet: A Study of Javanese Ethnomathematics

Some countries have puppet culture in various forms, terms, and ways, including Indonesia. As a country with a diverse culture, it has detailed and comprehensive characteristics and stories related to puppets, especially the Javanese shadow puppet. Some experts have explored its characteristics and found out that it contains many mathematical elements which could be used as a starting point to learn mathematics. The elements, however, still focus on the exploration of geometry material. We hardly find any other material that has been explored as deep as the geometry material in the context of the Javanese shadow puppet. Therefore, this study aims to explore the other elements of mathematics potentially found in this context which—for this example—is the sets material. Besides, this study also discusses the righteous life values that the students could internalize during mathematics learning through shadow puppet culture. We used ethnography to explore it through literature study, documentation, and field notes. We found some interesting elements, characteristics, and patterns in the Javanese shadow puppet, which can be used as a starting point to learn the sets concept. Furthermore, the values and philosophy of the shadow puppet culture harbor the potential to foster the students’ good character and behavior.