Inca Religion General Parameters

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 - established sun cult throughout empire o created bond between Incas and subject peoples - Inti added to all local religions - Local idols sent to Cuzco

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