What is a khipu?

A khipu, also known as a quipu, is an ancient Inca recording device made of colored, knotted strings used for accounting and communication. Each knot and color represented specific numerical values or information, allowing the Incas to keep track of resources, census data, and other vital records without a written language. Khipus played a crucial role in the administration of the vast Inca Empire, facilitating complex record-keeping across its territories. Their decipherment remains a topic of research, as they offer insights into Inca culture and society.