The New Student's Reference Work/Quipu

Quipu (kē' pōō), the language of knotted cords which was used by the Incas of Peru previous to the conquest by the Spaniards. A series of knotted strings was fastened at one end to a stout cord; the other end hung free. This was used for the purpose of conveying commands to officers in the provinces and even for recording historic events.