The document, known as the "Quipus Poma" manuscript, was discovered in the National Library of Peru in Lima by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley. It is believed to have been written in the early 17th century by Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, a native Andean scholar and chronicler.
The manuscript contains a series of drawings that depict various objects, such as animals, plants, and everyday items, each of which is associated with a number. For example, a drawing of a llama represents the number one, a drawing of a tree represents the number five, and a drawing of a house represents the number ten.
The researchers believe that the Quipus Poma manuscript provides evidence of a sophisticated system of counting that was used by native Andeans before the Spanish conquest. The system is based on the number five, which is reflected in the symbols used to represent different quantities. For example, the symbol for the number two is a drawing of two llamas, the symbol for the number three is a drawing of three trees, and so on.
The Quipus Poma manuscript is a valuable addition to our understanding of Andean culture and history. It provides evidence of a rich and complex numerical system that was used by native Andeans before the arrival of the Spanish. The manuscript is also a testament to the resilience of Andean culture, which survived despite the challenges of colonialism.
