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quipumore about quipu

quipu


  2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Quipu  \Qui"pu\,  n.;  pl  {Quipus}.  [Peruv.  quipu  a  knot.] 
  A  contrivance  employed  by  the  ancient  Peruvians,  Mexicans, 
  etc.,  as  a  substitute  for  writing  and  figures,  consisting  of 
  a  main  cord,  from  which  hung  at  certain  distances  smaller 
  cords  of  various  colors,  each  having  a  special  meaning,  as 
  silver,  gold,  corn,  soldiers.  etc  Single,  double,  and  triple 
  knots  were  tied  in  the  smaller  cords,  representing  definite 
  numbers.  It  was  chiefly  used  for  arithmetical  purposes,  and 
  to  register  important  facts  and  events.  [Written  also 
  {quipo}.]  --Tylor. 
 
  The  mysterious  science  of  the  quipus  .  .  .  supplied  the 
  Peruvians  with  the  means  of  communicating  their  ideas 
  to  one  another,  and  of  transmitting  them  to  future 
  generations.  --Prescott. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  quipu 
  n  :  a  cord  with  attached  cords;  used  by  ancient  Peruvians  for 
  calculating  and  keeping  records 




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