Incan numerical recordkeeping system may have been widely used

The article suggests that the Inca Empire may have utilized a sophisticated numerical recordkeeping system, known as the quipu, more extensively than previously believed. Quipus were complex structures made of knotted strings that were used to record numerical and other data. Researchers have found evidence that quipus were not just used for accounting purposes, but may have served as a means of communication and record-keeping across the vast Inca Empire. This challenges the long-held view that the Inca lacked a written language and relied solely on oral tradition. The study analyzed quipus from various Inca sites and found that they contained complex numerical and narrative information, suggesting a more advanced system than a simple accounting tool. This discovery could provide valuable insights into the Inca civilization and its administrative capabilities, which were previously underestimated. The findings highlight the need for further research to fully understand the role and significance of the quipu system in Inca society and its potential impact on our understanding of pre-Columbian cultures in the Andes region.