Review by Choice Review
Khipus (quipus), knotted string symbols used in the writing system of the Inca, are poorly understood because the few remaining examples that escaped burning during the extirpation of idolatry in the 17th century are generally without context. The discovery of sociopolitical khipus still being made and utilized in San Andres de Tupicocha, Huarochiri province, Lima department, provides the potential for unsuspected continuity; this is one of only three locales where ethnographic sociopolitical khipus have recently been identified. Expert Andeanist Salomon (anthropology, Univ. of Wisconsin) conducted research there during six field seasons between 1989 and 2001. Not only does the volume provide an ethnography of writing in Tupicocha and a solid review of prehistoric and colonial Andean khipus, it is also a good ethnography of the village itself. Salomon's argument is supported by 16 color plates, 49 figures, 2 maps, 12 pages of notes, a 3-page glossary of Inca and Spanish terms, 17 pages of references, and a 15-page index. This book is absolutely essential for scholars studying the origins of writing systems, as well as those focusing on the origins of just the Andean system. ^BSumming Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. D. L. Browman Washington University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
