Recent research has revealed that the ancient Incan practice of creating knotted cords known as khipus may have involved more individuals than previously recognized. Traditionally, scholars believed that only elite officials were capable of producing these intricate data systems, which recorded information ranging from economics to demographics. However, new findings suggest that commoners also participated in khipu creation, indicating a broader literacy than was once thought.
The study, led by Sabine Hyland, a Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews, focuses on the cultural significance of khipus in the Inca Empire, which flourished from approximately 1400 to 1532. Early accounts from colonial Spanish chroniclers portrayed khipu makers as high-ranking bureaucrats who indulged in the finest food and drink. This perception has shaped the understanding of khipu literacy as an exclusive skill reserved for the elite.
New evidence has emerged from the highland village of Jucul in Peru, where researchers discovered that khipus were sometimes marked with locks of human hair. In Incan tradition, hair held substantial cultural significance, believed to embody a person’s essence. This practice suggests that khipu makers, known as khipu kamayuq, infused their creations with their own vitality, effectively signing their work with their hair.
The researchers’ findings revealed that khipus from Jucul contained human hair attached to the primary cords, indicating the identities of the individuals responsible for each section. For instance, a khipu from the Andean community of Collata featured insignia strips tied to the primary cord, symbolizing the authority of the author. Similarly, when multiple individuals contributed to a khipu, their contributions were represented by coordinating hair strands or color-coded pendants.
In a significant breakthrough, the team identified an Inca-era khipu, designated KH0631, with a primary cord composed entirely of a single individual’s hair. This discovery marks the first instance of khipus being examined for human hair, previously an unexplored aspect of these artifacts. The hair, measuring 104 cm, likely belonged to the khipu’s creator, emphasizing their identity and authority in the process.
To gain further insight into the individual behind KH0631, the team conducted carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur isotope analyses. The presence of the C4 isotope suggested a diet rich in maize, while the nitrogen and sulphur isotopes provided additional dietary context. The analysis indicated that this particular khipu maker likely belonged to a low-status social group, consuming a plant-based diet with minimal meat or maize, contrasting sharply with the diets of the elite.
The isotopic analysis also suggested that the individual resided in the highlands, specifically between 2,600 and 2,800 meters above sea level, an area typically associated with commoners rather than the elite. This finding challenges the long-held belief that khipu literacy was confined solely to high-ranking officials, suggesting that it may have been more widespread among the population.
These revelations significantly impact the understanding of Incan society and its systems of record-keeping. The research not only highlights the complexity of khipu creation but also underscores the potential for broader participation in this cultural practice than previous studies have indicated. As Sabine Hyland notes, the new evidence points to a more inclusive khipu literacy, providing a deeper insight into the social structures of the Inca Empire.
The study is set to reshape perspectives on the Inca civilization, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social classes and the shared responsibilities in maintaining records of their society. The findings remind us that history is often more nuanced than traditional narratives suggest, paving the way for further exploration into the lives of common people in the ancient Andes.
