Mathematics of the Incas

Code of the Quipu

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book Mathematics of the Incas by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher, Dover Publications
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher ISBN: 9780486152707
Publisher: Dover Publications Publication: January 2, 2013
Imprint: Dover Publications Language: English
Author: Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
ISBN: 9780486152707
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication: January 2, 2013
Imprint: Dover Publications
Language: English

The Incas of ancient Peru possessed no writing. Instead, they developed a unique system expressed on spatial arrays of colored knotted cords called quipus to record and transmit information throughout their vast empire. The present book is based on a firsthand study of actual quipus that survived the destruction of the Inca civilization. Written by a mathematician and an anthropologist, this book acquaints the reader with the cultural context of the quipus, the problem of interpreting artifacts from another culture, and the place of the quipu-maker in Inca culture. Although no previous mathematical knowledge is assumed, the reader is introduced to the mathematical ideas embedded in the quipus and learns how to make a quipu.
Enhanced with over 125 illustrations, this unusual and thought-provoking study will interest mathematicians, historians, anthropologists, archeologists, and students of folk art with its unique perspective on the way in which pieces of colored string serve to embody a rich, logical, numerical tradition and are, ultimately, a metaphor for the civilization that created them. Preface. Exercises and answers within chapters.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Incas of ancient Peru possessed no writing. Instead, they developed a unique system expressed on spatial arrays of colored knotted cords called quipus to record and transmit information throughout their vast empire. The present book is based on a firsthand study of actual quipus that survived the destruction of the Inca civilization. Written by a mathematician and an anthropologist, this book acquaints the reader with the cultural context of the quipus, the problem of interpreting artifacts from another culture, and the place of the quipu-maker in Inca culture. Although no previous mathematical knowledge is assumed, the reader is introduced to the mathematical ideas embedded in the quipus and learns how to make a quipu.
Enhanced with over 125 illustrations, this unusual and thought-provoking study will interest mathematicians, historians, anthropologists, archeologists, and students of folk art with its unique perspective on the way in which pieces of colored string serve to embody a rich, logical, numerical tradition and are, ultimately, a metaphor for the civilization that created them. Preface. Exercises and answers within chapters.

More books from Dover Publications

Cover of the book Geometry, Its Elements and Structure by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Manners, Customs, and Conditions of the North American Indians, Volume II by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book The Awakening of Faith by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Critique of Practical Reason by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Biddle's Young Carpenter's Assistant by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Variations, Rondos and Other Works for Piano by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Brownian Movement and Molecular Reality by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God and Other Puritan Sermons by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book The Forgotten Society by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Native American Mythology by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book An Introduction to Nonassociative Algebras by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953 by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Napoleon's Military Maxims by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book All About Weeds by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
Cover of the book Precious Stones, Vol. 1 by Marcia Ascher, Robert Ascher
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy