Inca Quipu. Ca. 14th - 16th c.

The Andean corded communication system. The cord’s composition, ply, length, end treatment, and color were all significant factors in the quipu’s use and meaning.

This enigma is made of Cotton. Composed of a thicker, 32"/81.28 cm long Primary cord. It contains 65 pedant cords alternating in segmented tan and brown colors. Each pendant varies in length with strategically placed differing type knots representing numeric values.  According to Harvard University's Quipu Data Base Project, there are approximately 600 Quipus in existence in museum, university and private collections around the world.

Private American collection. Ex. Alex del Canho collection, Israel. Howard S. Rose Gallery, NYC.