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Aidan F.
Ancient painting of quipucamayocs( quipu makers) making quipus
Background on quipus
Background on quipus
The Inca Quipu (pronounced Khi-pu) was a tool used for communication and numerical use such as, counting debt, counting livestock, and counting prison sentences. The Quipu is made up of different colored strings and chords and a wood base. This was needed because the Incas did not have a written language at the time. Most of the Andean region used the Quipus to their advantage. The Quipu was made all the way back in 1450 A.D where the Inca empire was also founded. Quipus could be simple or complicated depending on how important they are. The more complex the Quipu is the more important information it has on it.
Quipus being hung on a wall
Image of an Ancient Inca Quipu
Image of an Ancient Inca Quipu
This is one example of the Inca Quipu. Not all Quipus look exactly like this due to the different amount of strings or colors, but they are all usually tied to the main cord(The horizontal line at the top) and have the other cords hanging from it vertically.
Uses of the qUipu
Uses of the qUipu
Inca chief holds a quipu in the air
Communication
Communication
Quipus were the only way of communication since the Incas did not have a written language at the time.
Inca knots with matching numbers
Numerics
Numerics
Quipus were used for counting information such as record keeping and all things numerics.
Quipu being framed up in a museum
Quipu being framed up in a museum
Literature
Quipus were used for art and story telling such as plays and fables.
Image of a man giving someone a quipu
How Was the Quipu Made?
How Was the Quipu Made?
The Quipus was made using animal fibers such as alpaca wool and llama wool. The Quipu was made expertly by Quipu makers called the Quipucamayocs. The Quipucamayocs were creators of the Quipu who were skilled and trusted crafters at the time. The process of creating a Quipu can be difficult or complicated hence the amount of strings and chords and colors. The more small and simple the Quipu is, the less time it will take for the Quipucamayocs to create it. The bigger and more complex Quipus, the longer it will take for the Quipucamayocs.
Image of the Andes Mountains, Peru
Impacts on other regions
Impacts on other regions
The Quipu changed the way we communicate and inspired the way we communicate today. it changed numerics and economics which led the economy to strive and become one of the best civilizations in the Andean region. While the other civilizations used the Quipu as well, the Incas thrived on it the most because of their extensive and wise knowledge on the Quipus. The Quipus created an actual form of communication for the Incas and made it easier since they used the cords and colors. It shaped the future for inventions and inspired others to create things like the Quipu or even better which led to a big revolution in technology even though the Inca civilization and most Andean civilizations were captured by Spain in 1534 A.D
I found this source the best because it gave a rundown of all of the basics of the Quipu. It gives great content and images and is very detailed. It is made by a great author who is very well known throughout the publishing industry. This website also gives very good background on the Andes region which was very helpful with the background portion of this website. Overall, this was a great source to use throughout the project.
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