New research from the University of St Andrews has revealed how the Incas utilized ancient Andean balance scales and a unique knot-based writing system known as khipus. Published on November 26, 2025, in the journal Res: Anthropology and Aesthetics, the study highlights the intricate connection between these tools and the Andean concepts of balance and harmony in social, economic, and moral contexts.
The findings suggest that balance scales, specifically the wooden unequal-arm balances referred to as wipis, played a crucial role in trade between diverse ethnic groups. These scales were primarily used for the exchange of valuable goods, such as raw wool from highland herders and coca leaves from lowland farmers. The research indicates that red tassels found on some khipus and scales may have served a “supernatural” purpose, enhancing the reliability of the information conveyed through these objects.
Understanding the role of balance scales extends beyond mere measurement. The study reveals that achieving balance was not always the main objective; rather, the agreement among individuals involved in a transaction often dictated the sufficiency of the product based on the tilt of the scale. This perspective underscores the relational dynamics inherent in Andean trade practices.
Social and Cultural Dimensions of Balance
The research illustrates a deep relationship between measuring instruments like wipis and the notions of social responsibility within Andean communities. The exclusive use of wipis for weighing coca leaves and wool indicates their significance in facilitating access to essential goods, both from within and beyond community boundaries. This emphasis on balance reflects broader cultural customs aimed at maintaining equilibrium in various aspects of life.
Co-author Sarah Bennison, an interdisciplinary researcher in Andean studies at the University of St Andrews, noted that khipus functioned as registers tied to dynamic interactions involving sacred ancestors believed to control water resources. She stated, “We could cast our gaze more broadly and explore the wider context of customs geared at achieving balance, of which khipus played a part. And in turn, the study of Inca balance scales holds promise for deepening our understandings of khipus.”
Modern Insights into Ancient Traditions
This study represents a significant advancement in the understanding of wipis, marking the most comprehensive research conducted on these ancient balance scales to date. While some wipis can still be found in museum collections, their references largely faded from ethnographic literature by the 1980s, leading to questions about their continued use. Remarkably, Bennison discovered that these scales were still in operation as recently as 2022.
By integrating archaeological, historical, and ethnographic perspectives, the research reveals how the use of wipis is intricately linked to community perceptions of what it means to achieve balance. This multifaceted approach provides a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of these ancient instruments and their relevance in contemporary Andean society.
For more information, see the study by Jordan A. Dalton et al., titled “In balance: Understanding the use of scales in Andean life,” published in Res: Anthropology and Aesthetics.
