Abstract
Khipu, cord objects used for recordinginformation, are associated with the Incas; however, in two known cases, khipu survive in Peru as communal patrimony, still in ritual use. This article describes the khipu of San Cristobal de Rapaz and a project of in situ conservation, conducted in collaboration with the local community. It was necessary to develop a strategy to protect the khipu, while allowing their continued use in sacred rituals. This challenged the basic principles of preventive conservation, but through the collaborative process compromises were achieved, acceptable both to conservators and to the community, which has now resumed responsibility for preservation of the patrimony.
Highlights
Khipu, the cord objects that stored information for the Inca state, usually surface in tombs
For Rapaz villagers, the complex is at once the seat of traditional control over land use, and the centre of communication with the deified mountains who control weather
Breaks and severely abraded areas were repaired with threads of matching camelid wool in the same fashion as the earlier repairs we identified (Fig. 6)
Summary
Each cord was assessed, studied, documented and mechanically cleaned. Breaks and severely abraded areas were repaired with threads of matching camelid wool in the same fashion as the earlier repairs we identified (Fig. 6). The architectural conservation work went on concurrently. Techniques and materials matching original construction were employed. Project staff and village workers joined forces to repair. Of responsibilities took place in time for the Raywan Entrego on 2nd January 2006. Project members remain in contact with the community and a July 2007 inspection showed the patrimony to be in good condition. The designated ritualist, Mr Melecio Montes, said he was delighted to find Kaha Wayi in better condition and more comfortable for the ritual, yet without unseemly changes
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