quipu

or khi·pu

[ kee-poo, kwip-oo ]

noun

1. a device consisting of a cord with knotted strings of various colors attached, used by the ancient Peruvians for recording events, keeping accounts, etc.

quipu

/ ˈkwɪpuː; ˈkiːpuː /

noun

1. a device of the Incas of Peru used to record information, consisting of an arrangement of variously coloured and knotted cords attached to a base cord

Word History and Origins

Origin of quipu¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from Spanish, from Quechua khipu

Word History and Origins

Origin of quipu¹

C17: from Spanish quipo, from Quechua quipu, literally: knot

Example Sentences

The instrument consisting of these strings and knots was called the Quipu.

From Project Gutenberg

In every town some expert men were appointed to tie the knots of the quipu, and to explain them.

From Project Gutenberg

It, however, seldom happened that they had to read a quipu without some verbal commentary.

From Project Gutenberg

The lengths of the strings used in making the quipu were various.

From Project Gutenberg

According to Tylor, "the quipu is a near relation of the rosary and the wampum-string."

From Project Gutenberg