The Inca believed Viracocha created the first humans from stone. Mountains held protective spirits (Apus), and special stones were 'Huacas' with spiritual power. Some rocks embodied rulers, others were petrified ancestors.
Inca viewed stone as living, sacred material with spiritual power
Key facts
- Inca believed Viracocha created first humans from stone according to Juan De Betanzos' Narrative of the Incas
- Mountains contained protective spirits called Apus, important stones were considered Huacas (sacred)
- Wawqi were large unworked rocks embodying masculine traits of rulers, treated as the ruler even after death
- Wanka were petrified founding ancestors giving families claims to specific land
- Tired stones (Sayk'uska) were unfinished stones personified as anguished beings left in place
- Puruawqa stones transformed into elite warriors to defend Cusco under Pachacuti
Sources
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