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Answer for the clue "Used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records ", 5 letters:
quipu

Alternative clues for the word quipu

Word definitions for quipu in dictionaries

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
ancient Inca recording device using knotted cords, 1704, from Quechua quipu "knot."

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Quipu \Qui"pu\, n.; pl. Quipus . [Peruv. quipu a knot.] A contrivance employed by the ancient Peruvians, Mexicans, etc., as a substitute for writing and figures, consisting of a main cord, from which hung at certain distances smaller cords of various colors, ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. A recording device, used by the Incas, consisting of intricate knotted cords.

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records

Usage examples of quipu.

Gunn and Congresswoman Smith were most cooperative in telling me about Drake's quipu.

Yaeger, using his computer, deciphers the Drake Quipu and discovers that the lost treasure of Huascar is probably buried in northern Mexico.

Stephen was intimately convinced that the quipus had brought news of some hostile cousins waiting for Eduardo in the context of that movement for liberation he had touched upon the day before as well as word of Gayongos' ship, which might more sensibly have put in a little farther south, in the realm of Chile.

Unfortunately, most all the quipus, one of the most detailed statistical records of a people's history ever kept, were destroyed during the Spanish conquest and the oppression that followed.