Khipus: Writing in Knots

Khipus: Writing in Knots

The Inkas offer one of the great enigmas of world civilizations. Unlike every other major civilization of the ancient world that invented a writing system, the Inkas relied on a three-dimensional, cord-based system of recording information—the khipu. Students will learn about khipus through core self-directed activities and tutorials in the student guide (approximately 75 minutes total). To start, students will read and watch several short videos about khipus, before learning to decode and encode khipus. Alternatively, educators can use the teacher guide to facilitate this program for remote classroom learning.

A synchronous virtual element (45 minutes) is offered by Dumbarton Oaks to engage students in object-based inquiry and enhance learning. Dumbarton Oaks facilitators will provide a close-looking discussion of khipus and a hands-on activity decoding and encoding khipus. Please contact education@doaks.org for questions or assistance or to book the synchronous element conducted via Zoom. 

Content Areas: Social Studies/ History/ Geography, Arts

Discipline: Visual Arts, Hands-On/Lab/Tactile

Resource Type: Other Interactive Distance Learning Activity/ Online or Printable Resource

Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th