How are quipus different from records kept by Europeans and Asian societies at around the same time?

Answer 1

Quipus were a system of accounting and record-keeping used by the Inca civilization in South America, while Europeans and Asian societies at the same time used more traditional written forms of record-keeping such as paper, parchment, or stone inscriptions.

One of the main differences between quipus and records kept by Europeans and Asian societies is the method of recording information. Quipus consisted of a series of colorful strings with knots tied at various intervals and in different positions, which were used to represent numerical values and other forms of data. In contrast, records kept by Europeans and Asian societies were typically written in words or symbols on a flat surface or object.

Additionally, quipus were primarily used for accounting and administrative purposes, tracking items such as crops, goods, and soldiers, while records from other civilizations often contained a wider range of information including history, literature, and religious texts.

Overall, the use of quipus and other forms of record-keeping differed based on cultural practices and available resources, leading to unique methods of recording and preserving information in different societies.