US Edition
A 104-centimeter-long hair could rewrite recordkeeping in Inca society
New analysis shows commoners from the Andean highlands produced khipus, suggesting record-keeping was more widespread in the Inca Empire than previously thought, researchers say.
- On August 13, 2025, Science Advances reported a radiocarbon-dated A.D. 1498 khipu was made by a commoner from the Andean highlands.
- Recently, the University of St. Andrews acquired a khipu, and reports suggested it was made by a khipukamayuqs from around 1498.
- Analysis of the primary cord human hair, 104 centimeters, revealed the maker’s diet was low in meat and maize, relying mainly on tubers and greens.
- The discovery challenges assumptions about khipu producers, suggesting literacy and record-keeping extended beyond khipukamayuqs in Inca society.
- Looking ahead, researchers plan to reexamine museum collections holding hundreds of unstudied khipus, potentially rewriting understandings of Incan record-keeping.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Hair analysis reveals that anyone who used the knot script of the Inca was more diverse than expected.
Georgia Public Broadcasting
A lock of hair may have just changed what we know about life in the Incan Empire
Inca society kept records by encoding information into knotted cords called khipu. A new analysis of hair woven into these cords suggests this record-keeping was practiced by commoners as well as elites.
Who made these knotted records during the Inca Empire?
Inca society kept records by encoding information into knotted cords called khipu. A new analysis of hair woven into these cords suggests this record-keeping was practiced by commoners as well as elites.
The Incas didn't have a traditional script, but instead recorded information by tying knots in cords. It was long thought that these so-called "quipus" were only made by the elite, but a few hairs now reveal that even "ordinary" Incas knotted cords. Researchers report this in the journal Science Advances. As mentioned, their study addresses […] Want to know more about science? Read the latest articles on Scientias.nl .
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
