We are sorry to report the death of Paulus Gerdes, internationally renowned symmetrologist on November 10, 2014. He was a member of the Advisory Board since ISA’s foundation in 1989.
Paulus Gerdes was internationally known for his work in ethnomathematics, as he learned from ordinary people and their use of geometry to improve mathematics education.
Among his many books, all lavishly illustrated with baskets and other daily items made by Mozambicans and other Africans, and many published in English, Portuguese, and Dutch editions, are
Women, Art and Geometry in Southern Africa
(Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press, 1998)
and
Otthava: Making Baskets and Doing Geometry in the Makhuwa Culture in the Northeast of Mozambique
and Supplement
Otthava: Images in Colour
(Maputo: Centre for Mozambican Studies and Ethnoscience, Universidade Pedagógica, 2010).
His books can be found at
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/pgerdes
This is a lovely tribute to Paulus Gerdes. I was particularly struck by the description of his work in ethnomathematics and how he connected mathematics to culture, especially in African contexts. It’s inspiring to see someone dedicated to making mathematics more accessible and relevant to diverse communities.