I am currently studying how intellectual property laws can be used to protect Traditional Knowledge – because of course I am – but there was something amazing in my lesson the other day:  Quipus or talking knots.  Quipus were recording devices made of thread or string and knotted to portray meaning and value.  Based on a base ten positional system calendar information, taxes, census records, military organization and more could be recorded and read off of something that looks more like a necklace or body ornament.  Similar systems were used by the Inca, the ancient Chinese and native Hawaiians.