Abstract
Because these archaeological artefacts have been interpreted numerically, they are of interest in the history of mathematics. If, as alleged, the numbers record stellar and planetary movements, they are of interest in the history of astronomy. This article shows that the code of the quipu is richer than previously believed, and the astronomical hypothesis is re-examined in this light.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Locke, L. L., Amer. Anthropol., 14, 325 (1912).
Nordenskiöld, E., Comparative Ethnological Studies, 6, part 1, 2 (1925).
Antiquity, 40 (1966).
Day, C. L., Quipus and Witches Knots (University of Kansas, Lawrence, 1967).
Locke, L. L., The Ancient Quipu or Peruvian Knot Record, 43 (Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., New York, 1923).
Locke, L. L., Anthrop. Pap., Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 30, part 2 (1928).
Locke, L. L., Contr. Mus. Amer. Indian Heye Foundation, 7 (1927).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ASCHER, M., ASCHER, R. Code of Ancient Peruvian Knotted Cords (Quipus). Nature 222, 529–533 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/222529a0
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/222529a0
This article is cited by
-
Probing when dCas9 tolerates DNA mismatches
Nature Biomedical Engineering (2023)
-
Numbers and relations from ancient Andean quipus
Archive for History of Exact Sciences (1972)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
