Quipu

Definition

Quipu is an ancient Incan recording device made of colored, knotted strings used to keep track of information such as census data, tributes, and other numerical records. This intricate system allowed the Incas to maintain efficient administration over their vast empire, serving as a form of communication in the absence of a written language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quipus were primarily used for accounting purposes, helping the Incas manage resources, labor, and tax obligations across their extensive territories.
2. The colors and types of knots on a quipu conveyed specific meanings, with different combinations representing different categories of information.
3. Incas trained specialists known as 'quipucamayocs' who were responsible for creating and interpreting quipus to ensure accurate record-keeping.
4. The use of quipu highlights the Inca's sophisticated administrative system and their ability to organize a large population without written language.
5. Although quipus were crucial for administration, much of their knowledge was lost after the Spanish conquest, leading to ongoing research into their full meaning and use.

Review Questions

• How did quipus function as a form of record-keeping in the Inca Empire, and what types of information were typically recorded?
  • Quipus functioned as a complex system of record-keeping for the Inca Empire by using a series of colored strings with knots that represented different numerical values and categories. The Incas recorded vital information such as census data, tribute collection, and resource management. This allowed them to effectively administer their vast territories without a written language, showcasing their remarkable organizational skills.
• Analyze the significance of training specialists known as 'quipucamayocs' in relation to the efficiency of Incan administration.
  • The training of specialists known as 'quipucamayocs' was significant for Incan administration because it ensured that complex data could be accurately recorded and interpreted. These experts understood the nuances of quipu construction and interpretation, allowing them to maintain detailed records crucial for managing resources and tributes. This specialization contributed to the overall efficiency and organization within the Inca Empire, demonstrating their advanced approach to governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the Spanish conquest on the knowledge and usage of quipus, and how this loss affects our understanding of Incan civilization today.
  • The Spanish conquest had a profound impact on the knowledge and usage of quipus, leading to a significant loss of information about this intricate recording system. Many quipus were destroyed or abandoned, and with them went the understanding of their full significance and functionality. This loss has created challenges for historians and researchers trying to piece together aspects of Incan civilization that relied on quipu for administration, hindering our ability to fully appreciate their sophisticated methods of governance and record-keeping.

Related terms

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

Tawantinsuyu: The Inca name for their empire, which translates to 'the four regions' and refers to the division of the empire into four major provinces.

Khipu: Another term for quipu, emphasizing its role as a recording tool used primarily by the Incas for managing information and data.