Rituals+and+Ceremonies

Capacocha Ceremonies

These ceremonies were one of the most important celebrated by the Inca, they celebrated many events including death of emperors, births of royalty, victory in battle and it was also used to stop drought and epidemics (Bray). It involved the sacrifice of select objects of value, animals and sometimes children; these offerings were made to all religious entities and //guacas// that played a major role in the Inca empire (Bray 4). Though many are not sure, it is assumed the ceremony had multiple meanings, whether it be political or an even that occurred cyclically.



This image shows a 15 year-old who was sacrificed in a Capacocha ceremony and was found on a summit in Mt. Llullaillaco, Argentina in 1999 (Bray 3).



The funerary assemblages found next to the children were analyzed in order to determine function and motive behind these Capacocha rituals. Not much is known about them today, much of the information out there are Spanish Chronicler accounts; however many pieces salvaged from the sites are helping archaeologists put together a clearer picture of what these rituals were all about.



This map shows various Capacocha sites, it was created and used by Bray in her research of pottery vessel found in Capacocha sites. Most, where she and her team worked at, were located at the highest peaks of the Andes that range in elevation from 5300 to 6700 m above sea level.

These ceremonies were assembled in the Inca capital, Cuzco; however the children that were to be sacrificed were brought from all the provinces that formed part of the Inca empire, ceremonies took place in the main plaza and showcased the offerings and lots of feasting, dancing, singing and prayer took place for several days before the offerings were taken to the summits where they would be sacrificed.

Festival of Capac Raymi One of the most regular festivals celebrated by the Inca, Capac Raymi means 'principal festival' and is celebrated during first month of the year which is called 'Raymi', which includes the December solstice (D'Altroy 154). During this event, Inca boys between the ages of 12 and 15, related to the Inca kings, were initiated and knighted (Cobo 126). The prince and his brothers (if any) who were to succeed the throne were also celebrated during this festival; the ceremony took place mainly in Cuzco, however, it was also held at the same time by governors of royal blood who held office at surrounding provinces. The knighting of these young boys was held at large and it involved piercing their ears, using earplugs (also used by the Maya).



Festival of Inti Raymi This festival took place during the June solstice and was intended to primarily honor the Sun. Inti Raymi translates to 'Warriors' cultivation', it also took place in Cuzco and it involved the Sun, the Inca, effigies past rulers, nobility, and priests/priestesses. Chants led off by the Inca ruler began as soon as the sun rose and lasted until about noon and throughout much of the day sports were played during which [|llamas] were set loose and everyone leaped around to catch them and vast amounts of [|chicha], [|coca], and other materials were given in sacrifice. This was celebrated for about eight or nine days and after this time passed foot plows were brought out for the Inca leader to use in order to break the earth as as symbol of inaugurating the plowing season (D'Altroy 155).



Image depicting men and women plowing the land, the man on the right is using a foot plow.