Discovery of Human Hair Knot Cord Challenges Literacy Assumptions in Inca Empire

The Incan civilization in South America, a significant pre-Columbian society, held immense power and influence, renowned for architectural marvels such as Machu Picchu, an extensive road network, and intricate agricultural systems via terracing. Their record-keeping method, known as khipu, consisted of knot-tying to encode complex data.

However, a new study on a human hair cord could potentially challenge the long-held belief that literacy in this form of writing was confined to the highest echelons of Incan society. NPR’s science correspondent, Nell Greenfieldboyce, sheds light on this revelation.

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This episode was skillfully produced by Rachel Carlson, carefully edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and meticulously fact-checked by Nell and Tyler Jones. The technical aspects were expertly handled by Maggie Luthar.