Dinsulan is a number system inspired by the Filipino traditional tattoos.

To design such tattoo on

someone’s skin, it is necessary to have the ink – thus, the name is derived from one of its Filipino terms
which means “inkwell”. Other than that, this number system is created to highlight the culture and
tradition of Filipinos through the art of tattoo.

Through observation, Filipino traditional tattoos are usually composed of lines which is evident in this
number system. The numbers one to five (1-5) resemble the mountains while the numbers six to nine
(6-9) seem like the waves in the sea. When a horizontal line is added below these symbols, it will be
multiplied to ten (x 10). On the other hand, it will be multiplied by one hundred (x 100) if there are
horizontal lines placed above and below the mentioned symbols. A thick line positioned under the
symbols indicates that it is multiplied by one thousand (x 1000). Lastly, the vertical line in between these
symbols together with the horizontal lines implies the need to add each value.

To conclude, Dinsulan applies the multiplicative and additive systems. There is also no symbol for the
number zero (0) which is similar to the Roman numerals. It is written in a horizontal manner as seen in
the chart. This number system represents that the Philippines’ traditional tattoo can also be part of
mathematics in the modern world and society.