QU018

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Khipu Notes Exist - See Below

Original Author: Kylie Quave
Museum: Dallas Museum of Art
Museum Number: B382/1989.W.2263
Provenance: Inka, Late Horizon
Region: Unknown
Total Number of Cords: 38
Number of Ascher Cord Colors: 6
Benford Match: 0.724
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Datafile: QU018

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Khipu Notes

Wise Khipu B382 / T41299.37
Fragmentary khipu with three main cords and subsidiary cords. 3 main cords tied together. 2 whole main cords, one fragmentary.
Probably missing some elements since ends of Main B are severed.
The orientation of the object could begin with plied end of Main A.
While removing from board, Dawn Planas found 2 small, live insects and one dead. Brent Mitchell, John Dennis, and John Claire examined under a microscope, but could not identify the bugs.
How would this khipu have been held to read?
Aren't really any patterns or repeats.
Originally sewn to green board. Removed by Dawn Planas and Kylie Quave 3/30/06.

Primary Cord Notes


3 main cords:
Main A - .6cm diameter, 26.5 long not counting wrapped up, knotted up pieces. Lt br/ch br/lt tn, S-ply. Plied end is tied in a single Z knot, other end knoted off. Is wrapped twice around Main B and knotted through itself. 3 pendants emerge from this knot (one doesnt seem to be attached anymore).
Main cord B - .4cm diameter, 40 long, lt br. Both ends severed, S-ply.
Main cord C - .3 cm diameter, 13 long not counting wrapped up parts, lt tn, S-ply. Plied end knotted in single Z knot like Main A, other end knotted off. Wrapped in figure 8 around Main B and looped through itself, with a pendant within hanging from Main A.

Cord Notes


C1-1 has knot value of 17, which is the sum of the other knots in Group C1. They are all mon md tn and the first pendant is mot md tn/lt tn.