The 31st World Congress logo is based in the Mayan number system, a vigesimal positional system based in only three symbols:

  • Dot – each with value of 1
  • Line – each with value of 5
  • Shell with value of 0

 

Values are accumulated as follows:

  • 1 to 4 = 1 up to 4 dots at the same level
  • 5, 10, 15 = 1 to 3 lines, one below each other (value of 5 each)

 

Position is also relevant according to the vertical position of these symbols:

  • First row= numbers are multiplied by 1
  • Second row (above the first one) = numbers are multiplied by 20
  • Third row (above the second one) = numbers are multiplied by 400 (20 x 20), that’s why this is a vigesimal system (or base 20)

 

As result, IPMA’s 31stWorld Congress must be read as follows:

  • 1strow = (three lines x 5) plus (4 dots x 1), then all multiplied by 1 = 19
  • 2ndupper row = (one shell x 0), then multiplied by 20 = 0
  • 3rdupper row = (one line x 5) = 5, then multiplied by 400 = 2000

 

ADDING ALL: 19 + 0 + 2000 = 2019