quipu
Quipu is an ancient Incan device used for record-keeping and communication. It consists of a series of colored strings and knots, which represent numerical data and information. Each knot's position and type convey specific meanings, allowing the Inca to track resources, census data, and other important information without a written language.
The use of quipu was essential for the administration of the vast Inca Empire, which spanned across parts of modern-day Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. While many quipus have been discovered, their full interpretation remains a challenge for researchers, as the system was complex and varied across different regions.