Inca architecture employed two main bonded masonry styles: polygonal (irregular multi-faced stones) and ashlar (rectangular cuts). Ashlar was used for important buildings including sacred spaces like Qoricancha and elite residences, reinforcing social hierarchy through construction quality.
Key facts:
- Rough stonework with mortar used undressed fieldstones for commoner housing
- Fine mortarless masonry (without mortar) was reserved for important buildings
- Polygonal masonry features irregularly shaped stone blocks fitted together without mortar
- Ashlar masonry cuts stones to rectangular forms, used in most sacred buildings like Qoricancha
- Ashlar considered highest quality construction, used in elite residences and temples