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COMMUNICATE WITH STRING

The ancient Incas, who occupied areas of Central America, developed a unique system of writing and developing accounts.  This system is called Key-Poo.  With five pieces of metre long string and a series of knots, you can have a secret communication.

 

HOW TO:

 Cut five pieces of medium weight string in one metre lengths.

 Tie all five pieces together close to one end with a simple overhand knot.

Use the chart below to locate the letters in your message.

The group number tells how many strings to use when tying your knots.

The number opposite each letter tells you how many knots to tie. (Example: for the letter R, you tie 4 strings in 2 knots.)

Between each letter, always tie a loop knot.  This tells you where the knots for each letter end.

 You will notice that there is no letter Q; use K when spelling a word that has a Q in it.

 

 

GROUP 1

 

A-1

 

D-2

 

L-3

 

B-4

 

F-5

 

GROUP 2

 

E-1

 

H-2

 

M-3

 

C-4

 

J-5

 

GROUP 3

 

I-1

 

N-2

 

P-3

 

G-4

 

V-5

 

GROUP 4

 

O-1

 

R-2

 

U-3

 

K-4

 

X-5

 

GROUP 5

 

T-1

 

S-2

 

Y-3

 

W-4

 

Z-5