What system did the Inca use for record-keeping?

Discover the Mesoamerica Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam effortlessly!

The Inca civilization utilized a unique system known as quipu for record-keeping. Quipu consisted of a series of colored strings and knots, which allowed the Incas to record numerical data and possibly even narrative information. This innovative method was particularly effective for managing the vast and complex administrative tasks of the Inca Empire, which spanned across varied terrains and encompassed a large population.

Quipu enabled the Incas to keep track of agricultural production, taxation, census records, and other critical information, facilitating efficient governance. The colors and patterns of the knots conveyed different meanings, enabling the Incas to communicate detailed information without a written language.

Other record-keeping systems from different cultures, such as pictographs, hieroglyphs, or cuneiform, do not relate to the Inca civilization. Pictographs are a form of visual symbol writing used by some ancient peoples; hieroglyphs are associated with ancient Egypt, and cuneiform is an ancient writing system developed by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia. These systems differ significantly from the quipu's knot-based structure and the specific needs of the Inca for record-keeping.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy