One of the earliest forms of letter was the quipu, or knotted cord, still used by the Incas of Peru. No doubt you've sent a message to yourself in this way and never knew that it was an ancient carry-over. Think now, did you ever tie a knot in your handkerchief or put a notch in a stick to remind you of something? If you haven't, you have at least heard the story of Darius the Persian, who built a bridge over the river Ister (the Danube) in order to invade the country of the Scythians. After crossing the river with his army, Darius put the bridge in the keeping of the Ionian fleet. He gave them a leather thong with 60 knots, saying he would return in 60 days. One knot was to be untied each day. The 60 days elapsed and Darius did not return, but the Ionians stayed there just the same and helped Darius when, later, he did return.

A Quipu Was Used By Primitive Man For Sending Messages

A Quipu was used by primitive man for sending messages.

In our age message sticks are sent from one tribe to another in Australia and in Africa. The American Indians used belts made of beads and wampum to send messages, which were woven into the belts in the form of designs. Yet of them all the message cords are most useful, for they can tell much. Of course, they do have to send an interpreter with them to tell whether the story is one of war, of census, or of tribute. From the main cord of the quipu hang several thinner ones - red for soldiers, yellow for gold, white for silver, green for corn. One knot means ten, two means twenty, and a double knot means one hundred.