Inca Religion – general parameters
Like other imperial religions, in many ways a reflection of the Inca state
chief ingredient = sun worship – Inti – ancestor of dynasty
Temple of the Sun – Cuzco
One of several buildings in Coricancha – enclosure of gold
Established on the spot where Manqo Qhapaq’s golden staff sunk into the earth
Curved wall
Viracocha – creator, civilizer – also bearded one (confusions with foreigner)
Became supreme god under Pachakuti (appeared in dream)
Inti reduced to son
Both male and female
Other gods
Inti Illapa – storm god (thunder) – rain giver
Moon – quilla – wife and sister of Inti
Stars, especially the Pleiades – qollca (storehouses)
Mountain deities
Apu/Huamani
Pachamama
Pachacamaq
offerings
Sacrifice
llamas, cloth most common items
human sacrifice: some, but not like Aztecs
Performed at beginning of new reign, if Inca gravely ill, earthquakes, etc.
when needed divine assistance
men, women, usually children
some buried alive, drugged |