Meaning of the Incas (What they are, Concept and Definition)

The Incas were a pre-columbian civilization who inhabited the region of the Andes Mountains (South America), between the 13th and 16th centuries.

The Inca people lived their peak of development between the 15th and 16th centuries, when they formed the so-called Inca Empire, which encompassed the current regions of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador.

The predominant language in the Inca Empire was the Quechua (or Quechua), which still continues to be used by some ethnic groups in the countries that make up the Andes region of South America.

Even having a language, the Inca civilization did not develop a writing model. However, they created a very efficient and unique counting system: the kipu (or quipo).

The quipu consisted of a series of colored strands that could represent different values ​​and qualities, depending on the context in which it was being used.

The quipus could only be handled and interpreted by the quipucamayucs (“Kipus guardians”), a position of extreme responsibility.

The Inca Empire went into decline with the Spanish invasion led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532.

See also:Aztecs and Mayans.

economy and government

The emperor of the Incas received the title of Inca shoe, which in the Quechua language means “governor of the Incas”. For the Incas, the Sapa Inca was considered a “god on earth” and, for this reason, he received constant honors and sacrifices in his honor.

The Inca civilization had a very organized system of government, with the centralization of power in the capital of the empire, the sacred city of Cuzco, where the emperor resided.

Basically, Inca society was divided into four main nuclei: nobles (formed by the royal family, religious leaders, military and other members of the nobility); governors (which represented the rulers of the four provinces that made up the Empire. They were responsible for formulating and enforcing the laws of their localities); local military officers and the peasants (the vast majority of the population).

The economy was based on agriculture, mainly on the cultivation of potatoes, corn, peppers, cotton, cassava, peanuts, sweet potatoes, among other types of grains and vegetables.

There was no monetary unit in the Inca civilization. Commerce worked from the barter. Exchanges could be between different goods, between services or food. Cocoa seeds had a high commercial value in the Inca civilization.

Learn more about the meaning of Barter.

culture and art

Inca art is marked by objects made of ceramics, wood, metals and gold. Traditionally, adornments represented images of gods, abstract geometric shapes and stylized animal figures.

Inca architecture is also remarkable. Even today, several temples and buildings made during the Empire remain intact. The city of Machu Picchu is an example of the efficient architectural structure of the Inca civilization.

Music was also part of the artistic culture of the Incas, mainly through drums and wind instruments, such as flutes and trumpets made from seashells, for example.

According to Inca tradition, each calendar period (divided into twelve parts that are similar to the current months of the year) was marked with a specific festival:

  • January = Small Harvest
  • February = Big Harvest
  • March = Bunch of flowers
  • April = Young Corn Dance
  • May = Song of the Harvest
  • June = Festival of the Sun
  • July = Earthly Purification
  • August = General Purification Sacrifice
  • September = Queen's Festival
  • October = Water Festival
  • November = Procession of the Dead
  • December = magnificent festival

Religion

The Inca religion is polytheistic, that is, formed from the worship of various gods.

the god inti was the representation of the sun and considered the main deity among the Incas. There was also the cult of some animals sacred to the Inca people, such as the jaguar and the condor, for example.

Human sacrifices were common during rituals of thanksgiving to the gods. Normally, the Incas chose the most beautiful young people (and virgins) to be sacrificed as a way to calm the wrath of the deities.

According to Incan religious culture, being sacrificed in honor of the gods was an honor. It was believed that after being sacrificed, the spirit would become divine.

inca gods

Inti was the supreme god, but he was not considered the creator of the world, according to Inca mythology.

the god Viracocha he was regarded as the master of the heavens and the earth, responsible for creating the planet and all things that exist.

Among other popular gods, the following stand out:

  • Mama Quilla: wife of the god Inti. Considered the “moon mother” and goddess of the night and protector of women.
  • Mama Pacha: goddess of planting and harvesting. She was also considered responsible for the earthquakes (the Andes Mountains region is known to suffer from constant earthquakes).
  • Mama Zara (or Sara): goddess of corn, the main food of the Incas.
  • Supai: God of death. He was much feared by the Incas and, according to tradition, demanded that child sacrifices be made to calm their anger.
  • Mama Cocha: goddess of the sea, oceans and fish. She was considered the protector of fishermen and seafarers.

In Incan mythology, there are still several other deities that used to be personified in huge temples scattered throughout the empire.

Incas, Mayans and Aztecs

They are pre-Columbian civilizations that inhabited different regions of the American continent and at different periods of time.

Learn more about differences and similarities between the Incas, Mayans and Aztecs.

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