Women in STEM: The Legacy of Khipu in Inca Society

In a recent study, researchers have uncovered intriguing insights into the role of women in the Inca Empire, particularly focusing on the use of khipu—a system of knotted cords used for record-keeping. This investigation highlights not only the significance of khipu but also the contributions of women who played vital roles in preserving and passing down this knowledge.

The Role of Women in Aqllawasai

In the late 1500s, aqllawasai, or finishing schools for Inca girls, served as critical institutions where young women learned essential skills. According to Indigenous chronicler Guaman Poma de Ayala, older women employed khipu to "keep track of everything" in these setting. Chosen by local nobles, teenage girls were secluded in these schools to master weaving, brewing chicha, and preparing food for rituals.

The fate of these women post-graduation varied significantly. Some were married off to Inca nobles, others took on roles as priestesses, and a few were subjected to human sacrifices. However, many returned to their families, likely taking their expertise in khipu with them.

“I think this is the likely way in which khipu literacy made it into the countryside and the villages,” said researcher Hyland. This suggests that the maker of a particular khipu, identified as KH0631, may have learned the craft either in an aqllawasai or from those who graduated from one, though the gender of the khipu-maker remains unidentified.

Khipu: A Widespread Tradition

The research reveals that khipu, often assumed to be confined to the elite classes, was also crafted by commoners. This suggests a surprisingly egalitarian approach to numeracy within the Inca Empire. The findings emphasize the availability and significance of this form of literacy, which appears to transcend social classes.

Historically, modern descendants of the Inca continue to use khipu in regions of Peru and Chile. Some scholars, primarily non-Indigenous, argue that contemporary khipu practices are mere imitations of ancient technologies. However, the evidence of widespread khipu use among commoners during the Inca period supports the notion that this knowledge has been transmitted down through generations.

“It points to a continuity between Inca and modern khipus,” Hyland remarked. Communities that maintain living khipu traditions believe deeply in this continuity, reinforcing the concept that scientific findings are often a reflection of existing cultural understandings.

Implications and Significance

The resurgence of interest in khipu and the acknowledgment of women’s roles within this context speak to broader themes of cultural continuity and empowerment. Not only does this research highlight the underestimated contributions of women in ancient societies, but it also emphasizes the resilience of Indigenous knowledge systems.

This study invites a reexamination of historical narratives that frequently marginalize the efforts of common individuals, especially women. It showcases the importance of recognizing and validating Indigenous practices as authentic and rooted in a rich history.

As we look at the legacy of the Inca and their descendants, the findings regarding khipu literacy underscore an enduring connection that not only enriches our understanding of numeracy but also celebrates the vital roles that women played in the preservation and transmission of knowledge throughout generations.

In conclusion, the ongoing significance of khipu in modern culture serves as both a testament to the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire and an inspiring example of how knowledge can empower communities, transcending time and social barriers.