Here are the key systems they used:
1. Quipu: This is the most well-known Inca recording system. It involved knotted strings made of different colors and lengths, with the knots and their positions representing numbers and concepts. While a precise translation remains elusive, quipus were likely used for recording:
* Census data - tracking population, resources, and tributes
* Financial records - keeping track of taxes and payments
* Historical records - remembering important events and lineages
2. Khipu: This is a similar system, but instead of knots, it utilized variations in the thickness and color of the strings to represent different quantities and objects.
3. Other symbolic systems: The Incas also employed other symbolic systems, such as:
* Geometric designs and patterns: These could be found in textiles, pottery, and architecture, representing deities, ancestors, or specific events.
* Pictographs: These were simple drawings that represented objects or concepts, similar to modern icons.
Important to note:
* The Inca system wasn't solely based on symbols. Oral traditions, storytelling, and memorization played a crucial role in transmitting knowledge and preserving history.
* While quipus were used by the Incas, it was not a "written language" in the traditional sense. It lacked a phonetic structure and relied heavily on interpretation by trained experts (quipucamayoc).
Therefore, while the Incas had a sophisticated system for recording information, it wasn't a fully developed written language. However, their innovative use of knots and symbols reveals a complex culture with an advanced understanding of record-keeping and information management.