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, each having a special meaning, as
silver, gold, corn, soldiers. etc. Single, double, and triple
knots were tied in the smaller cords, representing definite
numbers. It was chiefly used for arithmetical purposes, and
to register important facts and events. [Written also
quipo.]
--Tylor.
The mysterious science of the quipus . . . supplied the
Peruvians with the means of communicating their ideas
to one another, and of transmitting them to future
generations.
--Prescott.
Wiktionary
n. (plural of quipu English)
Usage examples of "quipus".
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.