The Incas never invented the wheel so they had no wheeled vehicles. They did not have horses or cows either. Horses and cows were brought to the Americas later. High in the Andes Mountains, the llama was the most important animal to the Inca. It was used for transportation, wool, and food.
The llama is a member of the camel family. It is about four feet tall, four feet long, and can weigh up to 300 pounds. The llama has a long neck and long, thin legs with hooves that have two toes. Its' head is very similar to a camel.
They can travel long distances without needing water. Llamas also carry loads of about 100 to 130 pounds. They can easily travel 6 miles a day over rugged terrain. On flat ground, they can run faster than a horse and travel 20 to 25 miles a day. They also adapt well to mountains and high altitude. Therefore, the llama was well suited for the geography of the Inca which included mountains and desert nearby.
The Inca used the llama for food. They would dry the llama meat in the heat of the sun or over a low fire into llama jerky. They also used the llama for clothes, blankets, ropes, and sacks to carry goods. They tanned the hide to make leather. Many used it for sandals. Today, the llama is still important for those living by the Andes Mountains.
Llamas are herd creatures. They need to be with other llamas to be happy. Most llamas have big personalities. They are loving and gentle. They do not like to be stared at or have their personal space invaded. But then, who does?! If you ever meet a llama, be sure and follow this simple rule - DONT STARE. Otherwise, the llama might spit in your face.
The Quipu (kee poo) was mainly used by the Inca to keep records. They did not have a written language, but that does not mean they weren't smart. They developed a way to keep track of important matters.
The Inca used a system of knots on a cord which they called a quipu (kee poo). A quipu was about two feet long and had threads of different colors hanging from it. White threads stood for silver (a metal), yellow stood for gold, and red stood for war. By tying knots in the string a quipu keeper could record trade, battles, or even births and deaths in a village.
The Inca had scribes to learn how to make quipus. They learned at school and then worked for the government. Add five "bullets" you learned to your notes.