ACTI VITY 7

MATHEMATICS IN
THE MODERN WORLD

John Michael C. Ramos

BSN 1A
 There are a lot of symbols, but some of
my favorites are the following:
“Binituwon” (star symbol) for abundance,
“Binanniya” (lizard symbol) for wealth
and nobility, and “Inulog” (snake symbol)
for boundaries.
The Binanniya is a pattern that resembles
a lizard, an animal that kadangyans (rich
or high-status people of Ifugao) use to
symbolize wealth and nobility.
It is believed that a messenger deity
once went down to Earth in the form of a
lizard to show the first terrace builders
the source of water for their crops.
Since then, the Ifugaos carved lizards in
their rice granaries.

Binanniya
Binituwon
For tribes in Ifugao, the
Binituwon or stars
represent the children of
the sun and moon. Women
believe that they would not
have a hard time bearing a
child when such a pattern
is etched on their belts.
In some cases, the
Binituwon is also a sign of
abundance.

The Tinaggu is a human-like

pattern that symbolises
Ifugao ancestors who have
attained the status of
demigods in the afterlife.
The said people are
expected to bring guidance
and protection to the
descendants they have left
behind.

Tinaggu
Penneh Kaban Buddi

The Yakan fabric is known

for traditional patterns
like the Penneh Kaban
Buddi. The pattern is a
series of diamonds (also
called mata-mata),
triangles, squares, and
other angular shapes that
are commonly found on
bedsheets, cushion covers,
and even bamboo hats.

The Linuhhung represents the

agricultural gods of Ifugaos. The
tribe believes that engraving these
symbols on their clothing would mean
that the deities would bestow them
with good harvests.

Linuhhung