The document provides an overview of the Inca writing system called quipu, which was a complex arrangement of knotted strings used for information transmission across South America. It details how quipus were used to store accounts, genealogy, and stories, as well as the impact of the Spanish conquest, which led to the destruction of many quipus and a significant loss of cultural knowledge. Only a few hundred quipus remain, with much of the ability to decipher their meanings lost over time.

1. Form of Writing of Inca
{Quipu}
Done by: Megan Choo (7)

2. Content
- introduction to Quipu
- how to decipher the Quipu
- effects of the Spanish conquest
- Cracking the Quipu code
- sources
- thank you!

3. Introduction to Quipu
- Incas writing system is called quipu (also spelled
khipu/quipo)
- only known pre-columbian writing system in South America
- an information transmittal system, not just for Inca
- a collection of wool and cotton strings tied together, not
symbols carved on clay tablets or written on paper
- a knotted page of information which could be easily
transported and translated across South America

4. Quipu

5. How to Decipher Quipu
- kept their accounts, genealogy, astronomical calculations and stories using
Quipu
- a complicated system of cords and knots
- information stored using cord colour, cord length, knot type, knot location
and cord twist direction
- cords often plaited in combined colours; sometimes have single threads of
distinctively dyed cotton/wool woven in

6. How to Decipher Quipu
- cords connected mostly from a single horizontal strand, but subsidiary
cords come off the vertical strands in oblique directions
- only a few hundred quipu left
- much of ability to decipher meaning of knots and colours has disappeared
- oldest quipu dated to 4600 years ago

7. Effects of the Spanish Conquest
- became known to Europeans in the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived in South
America
- latest in many South American societies to use Quipu
- Inca empire used quipus to communicate a wide variety of political, economic,
genealogical and other information to keep their enormous empire working
- carried throughout the empire by relay riders, called chasquis, who brought
information along the Inca road system, keeping rulers up to date with the goings of
the empire

8. Effects on the Spanish Conquest
- incalculable loss to global society when Spanish arrived in Cuzco in 1532
- conquistadors (members of Spanish Inquisition) viewed quipu with great
suspicion and used religious prejudice and superstition to stamp out what
was perceived as dangerous heresy, including use of quipu
- thousands of quipus were destroyed in 16th century
- now only roughly 300 quipus which were preserved or have been
discovered since that time

9. Sources
- http://archaeology.about.com/od/qterms/qt/quipu.htm
- http://archaeology.about.com/od/americanancientwriting/a/quipu.htm
- http://google.com.sg