Quipu

Quipus: The Knots That Told Tales

Imagine a world where numbers and stories were not written down, but knotted into existence—where the very act of tying a knot could hold the weight of history. This is the realm of quipus, intricate devices used by ancient Andean cultures to record information in a unique and fascinating way.

The Quipu: A Knot of Knowledge

Quipus (KEE-poo), also spelled khipu, are recording devices made from knotted cords. These ingenious tools were primarily used by the Inca Empire but have roots that stretch back to the Wari Empire around 600-1000 CE. The word ‘quipu’ comes from the Quechua language and means ‘knot’ or ‘to knot.’ Each quipu is a marvel of simplicity and complexity, crafted with cotton or camelid fiber cords.

How Quipus Worked

Imagine a quipu as a digital spreadsheet before its time. The cords are categorized by color, order, and number, much like how we might organize data in today’s spreadsheets. Each knot represents a specific value or piece of information. For instance, the number 1492 could be represented using simple overhand knots, long knots, and figure-eight knots, all grouped into clusters along the cord.

For example, how would you represent the number 107 followed by 51 on a quipu? It’s as if each knot is whispering a secret to those who know how to listen. The answer lies in the arrangement: 1s, X (a special knot), 7L (long knots for tens), 5s, and E (another special knot). This system allowed quipucamayocs—officials skilled in deciphering these knots—to manage vast amounts of information.

Quipus as a Writing System?

Some scholars argue that quipus were more than just recording devices; they might have been a form of writing. The idea is intriguing, considering the complexity and precision required to create them. Could these knots be phonological or logographic symbols? Could they represent words or concepts in a semasiographic language?

Sabine Hyland has made significant strides in deciphering quipus by using 18th-century rebellion epistolary quipus, which contain 95 combinations of knots. Leslie Leland Locke demonstrated that many quipus encode numbers using base-10 positional notation. The system is so intricate that it uses three types of knots: simple overhand, long, and figure-eight.

Preservation and Modern Usage

Today, quipus continue to serve as powerful symbols of heritage in modern Andean villages. In Tupicocha, Peru, for instance, quipus are still used for official local government record-keeping. The remote village of Jucul also keeps quipus in its colonial church, highlighting their enduring importance.

Preservation efforts have been crucial to ensure these ancient tools remain intact. Techniques include storing quipus horizontally on neutral pH paper, minimizing exposure to UV light, and monitoring for mold, insects, and their larvae. Conservators assess and treat each cord individually, using mechanical cleaning methods like brushes, small tools, and light vacuuming.

Some quipus can withstand study without harm, while others require gentle handling. Ruth Shady, a Peruvian archeologist, has discovered a quipu or proto-quipu around 5,000 years old in the coastal city of Caral. The discovery is attributed to the arid climate of Caral, which has helped preserve these ancient artifacts.

Conclusion

The quipu stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of knots to convey complex information. From the Inca Empire to modern Andean villages, these devices continue to fascinate us with their intricate design and historical significance. As we delve deeper into their mysteries, we uncover not just numbers but entire worlds of knowledge encoded in the very act of knotting.