A BIT ABOUT INCA CULTURE

             The Culture Continues Today

      Ama Sua, Ama Quella, Ama Lulla, an Inca credo translates to: Don’t steal, don’t be lazy, don’t lie. The name Inca originally referred only to the royal family, in particular the emperors, but today it describes the people as a whole. The Incas spoke Quechua, and called their empire Tawantinsuyo.

 The Andes Mountain Range runs down the entire western coast of South America, and boasts some of the most accessible and beautiful scenery on the continent. The range is geographically unstable, earthquakes are common, and volcanoes are located in the southern Andes.

         But it is here that Quechua (keth-uwa) farmers live in isolated areas throughout the Andes. Their communities are called ayllukunas, and it is in these Andean villages where an age-old culture has survived. Ayni is the Quechua word meaning one works and helps wherever needed; all work is shared and each benefits from helping others. It implies an interconnectedness and interdependence.

          The Inca civilization is the best known and most studied of the pre-Columbian cultures of South America. Before 1430, Incas who believed their Emperor was descended from the sun, ruled over the Cuzco valley. A unity of purpose allowed the Incas to support a vast conquering army while simultaneous expanding their cultural influence. The Inca dynasty is estimated to have lasted from 1000-1572. Although they had no written language, history, traditions, and spirituality were passed down orally for generations.

        Story telling was a big part of Inca life. The llama was sacred in many of their stories. Singing and dancing were also very prominent in their lives. The Andean mandolin and flute were favored instruments. They believed that dancing brought the body and mind in perfect harmony, and cleared and aligned the energy fields. Nature becomes part of the dancer and the dancer becomes part of nature. The Incas in their worship of nature found huaca (spiritual power) in the heavens, hills, and stones.

       Mother Earth directed their life---- if one lives in harmony with her, feeds and nourishes her, you receive gifts of life. Rocks have always been considered sacred, and all ruins were built on or around unusual rock formations. Andean people understand rocks have special energy.

      The Incas had an advanced system of astronomy, and a unique ability to read annual cycles of the sun. The Inca calendar was essential to agricultural cycles. Hail, snow, and lightening were considered three brothers whose deeds were malicious and spiteful, capable of destroying crops.

The Quechua way of life incorporates spirituality in all aspects of living. They live an earthy textured lifestyle, and their love of the earth is profound. Over 100 varieties of potatoes and grains are grown high in the Andes. Each family has an area in which to raise guinea pigs. These animals are clean and quiet, and are a special treat for families and guests.  Also served on special occasions, we were told that when roasted and cooked fresh it tastes much like poultry.

     Continued next time.