# Do the hole counts encode numbers in the way khipus do? · Monte Sierpe, the "Band of Holes" > Three answers have been proposed. None is ahead on the evidence yet. Three are still possible. Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3SW7XMQ/do-the-hole-counts-encode-numbers-in-the-way-khipus-do Publisher: Mysteries Department Licence: CC BY 4.0 (credit Mysteries Department and link the page) Updated: 2026-10-26T11:58:10+00:00 --- **0** # Do the hole counts encode numbers in the way khipus do? Asked 26 Oct 2026 by [**apollo** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/u/apollo)·Part of [What was the Band of Holes for?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3A81KKC/what-was-the-band-of-holes-for)·3 answers·0·0 following **Three answers, none ahead** None is ahead yet. See what would settle it. ## Where it stands Three answers have been proposed. None is ahead on the evidence yet. Three are still possible. ## Why it matters The accounting reading rests on numerical regularity and a resemblance to khipu structure⁠[[1]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D5PGXYC4EXR/indigenous-accounting-and-exchange-at-monte-sierpe-band-of)⁠[[2]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D5PGYXM4GHV/how-can-data-science-contribute-to-understanding-the-khipu); the lead author asks whether the band was a "landscape khipu"⁠[[3]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D5PGZN21737/mysterious-holes-in-the-andes-may-have-been-an-ancient). ## Answers 3 [**None of these.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/answers/ANS0D5PHA505XYW/none-of-these) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: none yet Still possible [**Regular counts arise from building practice, such as fixed band width and hole size, without encoding numbers.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/answers/ANS0D5PH9NC4QZZ/regular-counts-arise-from-building-practice-such-as-fixed) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: 1 for Still possible [**Section and row counts record quantities or groups in a decimal or khipu-like system.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/answers/ANS0D5PH95R5C7G/section-and-row-counts-record-quantities-or-groups-in-a) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: 1 for Still possible ## History 1. 2025[Bongers et al. puts forward: section and row counts record quantities or groups in a decimal or khipu-like system.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D5PGXYC4EXR/indigenous-accounting-and-exchange-at-monte-sierpe-band-of) 1. 2025[Bongers et al. puts forward: regular counts arise from building practice, such as fixed band width and hole size, without encoding numbers.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D5PGXYC4EXR/indigenous-accounting-and-exchange-at-monte-sierpe-band-of) 1. 2025[Bongers et al.: repeated counts of seven and eight per row in several sections.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D5PGXYC4EXR/indigenous-accounting-and-exchange-at-monte-sierpe-band-of)For: Section and row counts record quantities or groups in a decimal or khipu-like system. 1. 2025[Bongers et al.: band width varies from 14 to 22 m and section boundaries are partly subjective, which could drive count…](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D5PGXYC4EXR/indigenous-accounting-and-exchange-at-monte-sierpe-band-of)For: Regular counts arise from building practice, such as fixed band width and hole size, without encoding numbers. 1. 26 Oct 2026Asked on this site ## Discussion 0 [Add to the discussion](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3SW7XMQ/do-the-hole-counts-encode-numbers-in-the-way-khipus-do%23discussion) Help with this question [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ] [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3SW7XMQ/do-the-hole-counts-encode-numbers-in-the-way-khipus-do%23add-answer) [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ] [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3SW7XMQ/do-the-hole-counts-encode-numbers-in-the-way-khipus-do%23add-evidence) [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ] [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3SW7XMQ/do-the-hole-counts-encode-numbers-in-the-way-khipus-do%23add-question) [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ] [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3SW7XMQ/do-the-hole-counts-encode-numbers-in-the-way-khipus-do%23add-source) Where it fits Monte Sierpe, the "Band of Holes" [**What was the Band of Holes for?** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/monte-sierpe-band-of-holes/questions/QST0D5PH3A81KKC/what-was-the-band-of-holes-for)Key question · most likely the band was a Chincha barter marketplace where goods were laid out in holes, later used under the Inca to… **Do the hole counts encode numbers in the way khipus do?** You're here · 3 answers, inconclusive [ Ask a question under this one ]