Quipu: South America's Ancient Writing System</strong>

Front

What is a quipu?

Back

A quipu is an ancient Incan device made of colored threads and knots used for recording information, particularly numerical data.

Front

What civilization is known for using quipus?

Back

The Inca civilization is known for using quipus as a method of record-keeping.

Front

What base system is used in Inca quipus for recording numbers?

Back

Base-10.

Front

Which civilization is associated with the oldest possible quipu?

Back

Caral-Supe.

Front

What was the primary purpose of quipus?

Back

The primary purpose of quipus was for administrative tracking.

Front

What is one of the main challenges in deciphering quipus today?

Back

The complexity of knot patterns.

Front

What unique feature did Wari quipus have compared to Inca quipus?

Back

Wari quipus used a base-5 counting system.

Front

How did the Spanish conquest affect quipus?

Back

The Spanish conquest led to the destruction of many quipus and the loss of knowledge about their use.

Front

What materials were quipus typically made from?

Back

Quipus were typically made from cotton or wool threads.

Front

What type of information could quipus record?

Back

Quipus could record numerical data, such as census information, tribute payments, and agricultural records.