New research from the University of St Andrews has illuminated the intricate ways in which the Incas employed Andean balance scales and a unique writing system known as khipus. Published in the journal Res: Anthropology and Aesthetics, this study uncovers how these tools were linked to the Andean worldview that prioritizes balance and harmony in various aspects of life.
The investigation highlights that wooden balance scales, specifically known as wipis, were utilized in the precolonial Andes to facilitate trade among different ethnic groups. These groups included highland herders who produced wool and lowland farmers cultivating coca leaves. The research indicates that red tassels, often found attached to khipus and balance scales, served a “supernatural” purpose, enhancing the trustworthiness of the information recorded or displayed on these items. In Andean culture, the color red symbolizes completeness and power, believed to preserve the integrity and vital energy of the objects.
Achieving balance was not merely an abstract concept for the Andean people; it was a fundamental aspect of their daily lives. The study notes that the exactness of balance was not always paramount. Instead, the focus was often on the adequacy of the goods exchanged, with the tilt of the scale reflecting a mutual agreement between parties involved in the transaction.
Understanding Cultural Significance
The research reveals a significant connection between the use of measuring instruments like wipis and the broader themes of social responsibility and community engagement. These scales were primarily employed for weighing coca leaves and wool, indicating their role in facilitating access to valuable resources that may have originated beyond a community’s immediate territory.
In this context, khipus were not merely records but dynamic tools that engaged with the spiritual beliefs of the Andean people. The sacred ancestors, believed to control water resources, were integral to the production and use of these registers, as highlighted by co-author Sarah Bennison, an interdisciplinary Andean studies researcher at the University of St Andrews. She emphasized the importance of considering khipus as part of a more extensive tradition aimed at achieving balance.
Modern Discoveries and Historical Continuity
This research represents the most comprehensive examination of wipis to date. While some of these balance scales can be found in museum collections, their presence in ethnographic literature diminished in the 1980s, raising questions about their continued use. Remarkably, Bennison discovered that wipis were still in operation as recently as 2022.
These findings bridge archaeological, historical, and ethnographic studies, enhancing our understanding of how the use of wipis is intertwined with the concept of balance within both individual and communal contexts. The study sheds light on the ongoing relevance of these ancient practices and their implications for understanding Andean culture today.
This new research not only enriches our knowledge of Incan society but also showcases the intricate relationship between culture, trade, and spirituality in the Andes.
