Quipu Collection

Peruvian Quipu
The QUIPU used by the ancient Peruvians to record events, keep accounts. This unattributed illustration comes from the Swedish Magazine Allers Familj Journal, 25th July 1923 issue

Peruvian Quipu
A quipu of ancient Peru

Peruvian Quipu and Birch Bark Drawing (colour litho)
980709 Peruvian Quipu and Birch Bark Drawing (colour litho) by American School, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Peruvian Quipu and Birch Bark Drawing)

Quipu, means of recording information using knotted strings used by peoples of the Andes in South America (litho)
5208223 Quipu, means of recording information using knotted strings used by peoples of the Andes in South America (litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Quipu)

MEXICAN QUIPU (1857)
A quipu of ancient Mexico

Description writing system constructed early-colonial Peru
Description of a writing system constructed in early-colonial Peru based on a textile recording device known as a quipu, Lettera apologetica dell Esercitato accademico della Crusca

Inca man holding a quipu, a device made of strings and knots used to count
Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala (1550-after 1615), Nueva Cronica y Buen Gobierno, 1587. Inca man holding a quipu, a device made of strings and knots used to count and record numeric information. Engraving

Chief accountant and treasurer, Tawantin Suyu Khipuq Kuraka, keeper of the khipu
XJF441926 Chief accountant and treasurer, Tawantin Suyu Khipuq Kuraka, keeper of the khipu (woodcut) by Poma de Ayala, Felipe Huaman (1526-1613); Private Collection; (add.info)

Inca Storehouses (woodcut)
XJF425627 Inca Storehouses (woodcut) by Poma de Ayala, Felipe Huaman (1526-1613); Private Collection; (add.info.: from The New Chronicle and Good Government)

PERU: INCAN NOBLEMAN. An Incan nobleman receives a report from one of his officials, who holds a quipu used for counting and recording important facts and events

INCA QUIPU. An Incan nobleman receives a report from an official, who holds a quipu used for counting and recording facts and events. Drawing c1600, by Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala

Inca quipu counting device, artwork
Inca quipu counting device. Artwork of part of an Inca quipu (also spelt khipu). This counting device was used by the Inca people of South America in the 15th and 16th centuries

NATL2A-00029
Inca teacher giving lessons in counting using the quipu. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

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The Peruvian Quipu is a fascinating ancient system of recording information using knotted strings. This unique method was employed by the peoples of the Andes in South America, particularly in early-colonial Peru. The quipu consisted of various colored strings made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, with knots strategically placed to represent numeric data. One intriguing depiction of this ancient practice can be found in the Birch Bark Drawing (colour litho), showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in creating these quipus. Another historical representation is seen in the Mexican Quipu (1857), highlighting its widespread usage beyond Peru. The role of a Chief accountant and treasurer, known as Tawantin Suyu Khipuq Kuraka, was crucial as they were responsible for maintaining and organizing these khipus. These skilled individuals served as keepers of knowledge, ensuring accurate records were kept within their communities. Inca Storehouses (woodcut) provides insight into how quipus played an essential role in managing resources and inventory control during Incan times. An Incan nobleman would receive reports from his officials who held these quipus, demonstrating their significance as a means of communication and record-keeping. Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala's Nueva Cronica y Buen Gobierno features engravings depicting an Inca man holding a quipu. These illustrations give us a glimpse into how this device made up of strings and knots was used to count and record numeric information accurately.