SCIENCE

Unraveling Inca Secrets: A Lock of Hair Challenges Old Beliefs

South AmericaThu Aug 28 2025

The Inca Empire, a mighty force in South America before the arrival of Europeans, was famous for its:

  • Impressive architecture
  • Vast road systems
  • Clever farming techniques

They also had a unique way of keeping records using knotted cords called khipu.

For a long time, people thought that only the top leaders of Inca society could read and write using these khipu.

A Recent Study Reveals Something Surprising

A recent study looked at a cord made from human hair and found something unexpected. This discovery might change what we think about who could use the khipu system. It turns out that maybe more people in Inca society knew how to use these knotted cords than we originally thought.

The Inca Empire: Advanced and Mysterious

The Inca Empire was truly advanced, and this new finding shows that there's still more to learn about their society. It's a reminder that history is full of surprises, and sometimes a small piece of evidence, like a lock of hair, can challenge our understanding of the past.

The Importance of Studying Different Forms of Writing

This discovery also highlights the importance of studying different forms of writing and record-keeping. The khipu system is a great example of how societies can develop unique ways of communicating and preserving information. It's a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca people.

questions

    What methods could be used to further investigate the literacy levels of common people in the Inca Empire, beyond the analysis of a single hair cord?
    How reliable is the new analysis of the hair cord, and what other evidence would be needed to confirm its authenticity?
    Is it possible that the Inca Empire had a secret society of commoners who were literate in khipu, and this discovery is just the tip of the iceberg?

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