Quipus (khipus) in the Andes: Knotted cords as writing
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
Record keeping in the Ancient Andes
This video focuses on woolen threads or cords called khipus (quipus) with carefully tied, placed, and colored knots. It’s a sophisticated record-keeping system used by the Inca (Inka) in the Andean region of South America. Khipus played an important role in administration and documentation before the Spanish conquest began in the 1530s. Learn more about them and why we consider them a form of writing without words.
Khipu, Inka, 1425–1532 CE, cotton, dye, Chulpaca, Ica, Peru, 72 x 39 cm. NMAI, NYC. Photo © Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
Video chapters
0:00 Recording without words
0:26 What is a khipu?
1:05 How a khipu works
1:33 Khipukamayoqs or khipu readers
2:24 Groups of 10 and 5
2:53 Writing?
3:59 Destruction of the material record
Learn more
See more resources about the Ancient Andes.
