The Inca Quipu

Worksheet Description

This worksheet delves into the unique and ingenious communication system of the Inca Empire known as the quipu. It describes how the quipu, consisting of various knotted cords made from llama or alpaca wool, was used by the Incas to record and transmit information across their vast empire. Each knot and its position on the cord held specific meanings, used to document data such as census counts, resource inventories, and even narrative accounts. The arrangement of knots and the structure of the quipu reflected the sophisticated organizational capabilities and the hierarchical nature of Incan society.

The worksheet aims to educate students on the intricacies of the Inca quipu as a non-verbal communication tool that conveyed complex information essential for the management of the empire. It teaches the students about the various types of knots and their positional value, how different colors of cords could represent different categories of information, and how the quipu was integral to governance and administration. Students learn the multifaceted roles of quipus, from accounting to storytelling, and understand the challenges historians face in fully deciphering these historical records. The goal is to impart an appreciation of the advanced and efficient administrative systems of the Inca civilization despite the absence of a written language.