Khipu

Definition

A khipu is an ancient Inca device used for recording information, consisting of colored, spun, and plied threads or strings tied in various knots. This intricate system served as a form of communication and record-keeping, representing numbers and possibly narratives or historical events through its unique configurations and colors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Khipus were primarily used for accounting purposes, such as tracking resources, taxes, and census data within the Inca Empire.
2. Each knot in a khipu could represent a numerical value, with different types of knots indicating different quantities.
3. The colors of the strings were also significant, often representing various categories or types of information in Incan society.
4. Scholars believe that some khipus contained narratives or stories, suggesting that this system may have functioned as a method for preserving oral history.
5. Khipus were maintained by specialized officials known as 'khipukamayuqs,' who were trained in interpreting these devices and managing the information they contained.

Review Questions

• How did khipus serve as a means of communication within the Inca Empire, especially in terms of record-keeping?
  • Khipus functioned as a sophisticated record-keeping system that allowed the Incas to track various forms of information such as taxes, resources, and census data. The unique arrangement of knots and colored strings conveyed numerical values and potentially other narratives. This method was essential for managing the vast resources and population of the empire, demonstrating an advanced understanding of communication and organization.
• Discuss the significance of color and knot type in the interpretation of khipus and their role in Incan society.
  • The color of the threads in khipus played a crucial role in conveying specific categories of information relevant to Incan society. Different colors could signify different types of goods or social groups. Additionally, the types of knots used varied in their significance; some indicated numerical quantities while others might represent more abstract concepts or events. Together, these elements made khipus a complex language of their own.
• Evaluate the implications of khipus on our understanding of Incan civilization and its record-keeping methods compared to contemporary systems.
  • Khipus challenge our modern assumptions about literacy and record-keeping by highlighting a non-written yet systematic method used by the Incas. This suggests that sophisticated societies can thrive with alternative communication methods. The presence of narrative elements in some khipus indicates that they were not just functional tools but also cultural artifacts that preserved history. Understanding khipus allows us to appreciate the complexities of Andean civilization beyond written records.

Related terms

Quipu:

A traditional Andean recording device similar to khipu, often made from cotton or camelid fibers, used by the Incas for accounting and narrative purposes.

Inca Empire: A vast empire in South America that flourished from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, known for its advanced administrative and agricultural practices.

Andean Civilization: The cultures and societies that developed in the Andean mountain region of South America, known for their agricultural advancements, intricate social structures, and unique methods of communication.