Ethnomatematics Studies: Poda Lessons to Markobar in Mandailing Culture

This research was initiated by the idea that learning mathematics cannot be separated from the application or relation of mathematics to human life, including culture. This is so that students can understand that mathematics is close to life and meaningful. Therefore, the study of the relationship between culture and mathematics is important and interesting. One of the cultures in Indonesia that can be used as an object of study is the Mandailing culture, especially the Markobar activities which mean speaking or giving speeches at traditional events. In Markobar, a parkobar (a person who gives a speech) usually uses poda lessons (a teaching containing advice). In the poda lessons that are often delivered by a parkobar, many mathematical concepts are found. The mathematical concepts contained in poda lessons in the Markobar Mandailing culture are very interesting things to study, which can ultimately be used as contexts and learning resources in learning mathematics, especially in schools where the majority of students are ethnic Mandailing.