Quipu, also known as khipu, is an ancient Incan device used for record-keeping and communication. It consists of a series of colored, knotted strings that encode information, such as numerical data and possibly narrative content. The knots and their positions on the strings convey different meanings, making quipu a sophisticated method of information storage.
This unique system was crucial for the administration of the vast Incan Empire, allowing for the management of resources, population counts, and trade. Although many quipus have been discovered, their full interpretation remains a subject of research, highlighting the complexity of Incan culture.