Gary Urton

Gary Urton is an American anthropologist and researcher known for his work on the ancient Inca civilization, particularly their use of intricate numeric and symbolic systems. He studied how the Incas recorded information through quipus—knotted strings that conveyed data, such as numerical records and stories. Urton's research helps us understand how the Incas managed complex information without written language and reveals the sophistication of their culture and communication methods. His work bridges archaeology, anthropology, and cognitive studies, offering insights into how ancient societies organize and transmit knowledge.