An Interpretation and Analysis of a Khipu in The Textile Museum Collection

Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive analysis of khipu 91.111 from The Textile Museum Collection, focusing on its structural and material attributes to investigate the information that may be encoded within it and to hypothesize its possible referent. The study examines a range of physical characteristics, including cord color, spacing between cords, cord diameter, length, and cord structure. Khipu 91.111 is organized into five distinct units, and this analysis evaluates whether and how these divisions may have functioned as meaningful organizational elements. Through detailed comparison of color patterns, the number of pendants per unit and subdivision, and the distribution of knot types and values, this research explores the khipu’s internal structural relationships. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of khipu construction principles and their role in Andean information management, offering insights into how khipu 91.111 may have operated as a record-keeping device within its cultural context.