Knotted Inca Records: Commoners' Hair Tells Ancient Tales

An Ancient Story Unraveled

The discoveries surrounding a beautifully crafted khipu made of human hair have opened a new chapter in the history of the Inca civilization. These intricately knotted strings, once believed to be exclusive to the ruling elite, showcase the possibility of common Inca citizens engaging in record-keeping practices, unraveling a surprising facet of their culture.

The Silent Language of Knots

The Spanish chroniclers documented the Inca’s use of khipus to track everything from astronomical phenomena to census data. Still, a piece discovered at a German auction hints that these records might have captured the lives of the everyman as well. At first glance, the khipu seemed regal, but testing suggested its owner led a commoner’s life.

Hair That Holds Secrets

Sabine Hyland, an anthropologist who admired this khipu, found herself fascinated by the 104-centimeter long main cord made from human hair. With carbon dating placing its origin around 1498, during the height of the Inca Empire, this remarkable piece of craftsmanship required more than eight years of hair growth, hinting at the personal significance it had for its creator.

Diet of a Commoner

Examining elements like carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur within the hair showed a diet primarily composed of greens and vegetables, with a notable absence of fish and meat. This diet profile is consistent with commoners rather than the elite. This discrepancy provides an intriguing contrast to the prevailing notions of Inca societal functions.

A Story in Every Strand

While attaching one’s hair to a khipu indicated ownership and accountability for its contents, amidst Andean beliefs, hair symbolizes an individual’s essence and spirit. As stated in Science News Explores, this gives the act of sacrificing one’s hair for the khipu profound personal and cultural significance, possibly associated with recording rituals or offerings.

A Glimpse into the Past

The intricacy of these strands offers more than just a glimpse into Inca life. They whisper stories of daily life, personal sacrifice, and the enduring human need to document one’s existence.

Will these discoveries encourage us to reevaluate our assumptions about the Inca and their society? These strands, woven from the past, tell a poignant tale of a civilization whose mysteries continue to be unraveled knot by knot.