Inca Town is an interesting book. It present an Inca community, most likely Cusco, at the end of the 15th
century, or the Incan Empire’s most prosperous time. This was before
an internal rebellion, and before the arrival of the Spanish. This book
presents several different Incan ideas, but does say no one knows
exactly what things were like. Among other things it mentions the
moving of those conquered to different areas, and thus avoid the chance
of rebellion. It shows a picture of an enemy’s eyes being removed so we
will not be able to participate or plan battles any more. It also
mentions the practice of sacrifice, generally of the Sun Maidens, or
woman selected for their beauty and talents. Some just made chichi (an
alcoholic beverage) or wove fine linens. However some were also honored
with the task of being sacrificed to the Sun. It mentions children
were also sacrificed at times.
It
also shows farming; which was difficult at high elevations. Incan
farmers are known for terraces, and irrigation. They raised potatoes,
corn, beans and gourds. Their diet was mostly vegetarian. There were
also craftspeople. Those who worked with clay, or carved stone or wood,
and also those who worked previous metals. All these people were taxed
by a percentage of their produce. Also taxes were levied in the form
of labor. This is how many communal projects were completed. Religious
ceremonies were important to the Incas. The would have processions in
which they would show of their finest items to the Sun God.
I
found this book interesting. It was illustrated throughout with
cut-out buildings so you could see inside. Sometimes it was difficult
to tell if a wall or something was cut away or if that was the way it
actually looked.
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