Understanding Quipus: The Inca Knot Language

Quipu, also called khipu, are colorful knotted cords arranged on a fiber strip or ring. Yet, these deceptively simple knot designs contain complex histories—and the answers to a few mysteries.

What secrets are hidden in these rare Inca artifacts?

Quipu Definition & Context

The Smithsonian, a prominent archeological and natural history museum, offers this description and definition of Quipus.

“Quipus (kee-poo), sometimes called talking knots, were recording devices used by the Inka Empire…

…A quipu usually consisted of colored, spun, and plied thread or strings from llama hair. Historic documents indicate that quipus were used for record keeping and sending messages by runner… The color, knot placement, and type of cord are all part of the logical numerical reading of the quipu.”

While the Inca used quipus, they didn’t invent them. Instead, these knotted designs were first woven millennia before the Inca Empire came to be. Archeological evidence suggests the Caral-Supe culture was the first people to weave Quipus, likely as early as 2500 B.C.

After their invention, Quipus became a widely used textile technology throughout Central and South America for centuries. Yet, while several cultures created quipus in the past, most of the quipus remaining today are from the Inca Kingdom, circa 1400–1532 C.E.

Did Incas Write and Keep Records With Quipu?

Yes—to some extent.

In the Inca culture, quipucamayocs were professionals who specialized in reading quipu records and creating new ones.

Most quipu records held quantifiable information. This meant quipucamayocs’ roles were more often akin to accountants or bookkeepers, rather than historians.

During the Spanish conquest and colonization, Spanish officials recognized the importance of quipu records. Quipucamayocs’ testimonies were considered a valid way to settle financial disputes.

Quipus & Inca Writing

Scholars debate the nature of the quipu knot language. While all agree that some quipu record certain proper nouns (like names), as well as quantities, they disagree on which other types of information they may be conveying.

Some believe quipus provided a memory aid and recorded quantities, but they weren’t a writing system. Others argue quipu knots could (and did) completely transcribe anything said in the Inca’s spoken language.

Still other anthropologists hypothesize that the quipus’ patterns are semasiography: a system which encodes and transcribes sounds or tactile sensations, but more like sheet music than an alphabet.

How To Read Quipu

First, the patterns used to record information in a quipu vary from culture to culture. They also seem to vary—to some degree—between groups within the expansive Inca Kingdom.

Second, the art of reading Inca quipus has been partially lost. In an article for Khan Academy, anthropologist Dr. Kylie Quave explains, “Even though the khipukamayoq read them in Inka times, these ancient objects cannot be fully read today.”

Yet, while a complete reading is no longer possible, scholars do know how to glean some of a quipu’s information.

“Reading” Accounting Quipus

Inca quipus fall into two broad categories: narrative quipu and numerical quipu (also called “administrative quipu”). Administrative quipu track quantities, and they’re read using the Inca decimal system.

Like contemporary Westerners, the Inca used a base 10 number system. When describing a quipu in The Brooklyn Museum, textile conservators Nobuko Kajatani and Anne Rowe write:

Administrative quipus are characterized by pendant cords with tiers of knots separated by spaces that indicate decimal values—what we would understand as the individual columns of digits in a numbering system, such as units (1 through 9), tens, hundreds, and thousands…

…The Inca used three main knots (visible on this quipu) to signify numerical values: figure-eight knots, long knots, and single knots. Each knot type signified a different unit of measurement (see diagram).

To read a quipu’s “data” in the correct order, it’s important to follow the pattern of knots and spaces in either a “z” or “s” shape. Start at the leftmost top knot, then follow the “line” to see the data in sequence.

Where Can Visitors See Quipus & Learn More About Them?

There are only 600 known Inca quipu remaining in the world. Travelers interested in discovering more quipus can see some up close in Peru.

Among the most well-preserved are artifacts in the Larco Museum in Lima.

The quipus on display hail from the Highlands of Southern Peru. These ancient cords were created around the year 1,300. The Larco Museum has worked to preserve every fiber of these 700-year-old twine artifacts.

Thanks to their efforts, people can travel from around the world to see these ancient records firsthand today.

Explore Quipu, Inca Artifacts & Ancient Ruins In Peru

Delve deep into the world of the Inca on Caravan’s eight-day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the Larco Museum in Lima, and take time exploring the artifacts on display. Then, step into the past by walking the paths the Inca built, as the all-inclusive tour explores mysterious ancient ruins—including that legendary Inca fortress, Machu Picchu.

To learn more, call Caravan at +1-312-321-9800. Or, phone us at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot on the trip today!