Khipu, UNMSM Colección Radicati de Quipus, Fundación Temple Radicati - UNMSM (1400/1532)MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
1. Khipu = Knot
The word khipu comes from the Quechua word for “knot”.
Khipu, UNMSM Colección Radicati de Quipus, Fundación Temple Radicati - UNMSM (1400/1532)MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
2. Material
Pre-Columbian khipus were made of cotton and camelid fibers.
Khipu, UNMSM Colección Radicati de Quipus, Fundación Temple Radicati - UNMSM (1400/1532)MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
3. The Three Types of Inca Knots
Incas used three types of knots: single, long, and figure-eight knots.
Khipu, UNMSM Colección Radicati de Quipus, Fundación Temple Radicati - UNMSM (1400/1532)MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
4. Meaning Behind Colour
Khipu cords were dyed of different colors and these tones held relevant meaning for people who could read them.
Khipu, UNMSM Colección Radicati de Quipus, Fundación Temple Radicati - UNMSM (1400/1532)MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
5. Meaning Behind Distance
The distance between knots also held important information.
Khipu, UNMSM Colección Radicati de Quipus, Fundación Temple Radicati - UNMSM (1400/1532)MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
6. Zero Knots
A cord with no knots identified the concept of zero.
Khipu found in Inkawasi, Cañete (1400/1532) by Inca CultureMALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
7. Numerical and Storytelling Recordings
Of the total known khipus, we know that 85% recorded numerical information. Only 15% of known khipus should have recorded stories.
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