YUPANA Meaning and
Definition
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A yupana is a pre-Columbian counting device used by the ancient Inca civilization in Peru. It is a quipu-based calculating tool consisting of a wooden board or tray divided into several compartments or rows, with each row containing a series of small and large geometric depressions. These depressions were filled with small pebbles or maize kernels, representing numerical values.
Yupana's primary purpose was to facilitate arithmetic calculations, recordkeeping, and accounting in various aspects of Inca society, including taxation, land distribution, and tribute collection. The Inca civilization did not have a written numerical system, so the yupana served as an essential tool for their numerical operations.
Interpreting the yupana required a skilled mathematician or accountant who was well-versed in the Inca numerical system. These experts would have been able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using the arrangement of pebbles or kernels. The yupana's rows and columns likely represented different units and magnitudes, allowing for complex calculations.
While the exact workings of the yupana are still not fully understood, it remains a fascinating artifact that showcases the mathematical sophistication of the Inca civilization. The ancient Yupana represents an ingenious method of early accounting and demonstrates the Inca's advanced understanding of numerical concepts, making it an invaluable historical artifact for understanding their society.
Common Misspellings for YUPANA
- yopana
- yopanna
- yapan
- Yupanaa
- Ypopana
- Yapanna
- Yapanah
- Yapahna
- Yuppana
