MM015 - Ascher Sum Fieldmarks

Moderate size khipu fragment with fragile primary cord remnants. The final cord (#23 as recorded) has a tenuous connection to the primary cord fragment, especially given its large number of subsidiaries (which is not consistent with the other pendants on the khipu). Color banding is apparent in this khipu (repeating bands of colored cords).
Additional Notes: This khipu is one of 10 sewn onto a black fabric backing. There is no evidence to indicate that the 10 khipus were originally part of the same artifact, and they are thus recorded separately. The tarp itself is inventoried under IVc.366.03; I append the letters A-J to signify which khipu is referenced in the data, since many individual detached cords are sewn on as well, but are not considered khipus (for the purposes of this catalog) since they lack their original primary cord. The tarp corresponds to drawings attributed to Erland Nordenskiöld, an early Swedish archaeologist and anthropologist who was a head curator of the Ethnographic Museum in Gothenburg.

22: Mottling very faded, but perceptible in center of cord.
23: This pendant cord has a tenuous connection to the primary cord with which it is purportedly associated.
All khipus I have studied are currently designated "MM", following convention in the field (and until a more suitable replacement convention is agreed upon)
(Manuel Medrano)