quipu

quipu [kee-poo, kwip-oo] ExamplesWord Origin 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.

Origin of quipu 1695–1705; Spanish Quechua khipu Examples from the Web for quipu Historical Examples of quipu

After these words he sat down, and threw in his quipu—a movement which was imitated by the other chiefs.

The Insurgent Chief

Gustave Aimard

The first material book was doubtless a series of knots well represented by the quipu (Fig. 2) of the ancient Peruvians.

Stories of Useful Inventions

Samuel Eagle Foreman

The quipu, or knotted reckoning cord was in use in Peru, as in China.

The Works of Hubert Howe Bancroft, Volume 5

Hubert Howe Bancroft

The quipu has been sent round, and the chiefs who will be present at the meeting are twenty in number.

Last of the Incas

Gustave Aimard

Which are the nations that accepted the quipu, and sent their warriors to the gathering place?

Last of the Incas

Gustave Aimard

British Dictionary definitions for quipu quipu quippu 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 Origin for quipu C17: from Spanish quipo, from Quechua quipu, literally: knot Word Origin and History for quipu n.

ancient Inca recording device using knotted cords, 1704, from Quechua quipu “knot.”