Acllas, Doncellas of the Inca Empire
The Acllas, maidens of the Inca Empire, represent a fascinating and enigmatic facet of pre-Columbian Andean culture. These women were not only considered symbols of beauty and virtue but also played essential roles in the Tahuantinsuyo, the vast territory of the Inca Empire. From their recruitment to their education in the Acllahuasi, every stage of their lives reflects a complex interplay of cultural, political, and religious aspects that helped consolidate Inca power. This article delves into the lives of the Acllas, their choices, the recruitment system, their education, and their legacy within Inca society.
The Acllas
The Acllas were regarded as the most charming and capable maidens of the Inca Empire. These women not only excelled in beauty but also in cultural and artisan training. In the Tahuantinsuyo, their role was fundamental, as they forged political alliances and strengthened the loyalty of conquered peoples. Each community was obligated to tribute Acllas to the state, and their labor, manifested in textiles and other products, was essential for the functioning of the empire. This system of reciprocity maintained social and political cohesion, and the Acllas were symbols of prestige and generosity for the Inca, who ensured their well-being through donations and gifts.
Selection
The selection process for the Acllas was rigorous and based on various criteria, including beauty, skills, and social rank. The most skilled and physically perfect maidens were sent to the Acllahuasi in Cuzco, the capital of the empire, where they remained almost entirely hidden. If they left the enclosure, it was to participate in celebrations, guarded by servants and guards to ensure their safety. Those chosen to stay in the Acllahuasi often became teachers, passing their knowledge to future generations. Life in the Acllahuasi was an honor, and upon death, they were buried within the enclosure, reaffirming their connection to the sacred and their importance in the social structure.
Recruitment
Each year, in March or November, girls and adolescents from various regions of the Empire were summoned to serve the Inca or the Sun God. These young women, who began being recruited from the age of eight, were carefully selected to ensure they maintained their virginity. They came from different social backgrounds, including daughters of nobility, curacas, and defeated peoples. Being separated from their families, the Acllas faced a radical change in their lives, needing to learn new languages and customs. This recruitment process not only strengthened the Inca's position but also created bonds among the diverse communities of the empire.
Acllahuasi
The Acllahuasi were exclusively female educational centers spread throughout the Tahuantinsuyo, where the Acllas were trained to serve the Inca and the Sun God. These temples could house between 500 and 1000 Acllas, and their education was supervised by the Mamaconas, priestesses responsible for their instruction. Only individuals of high rank, such as the Coya and the Ñustas, could access the Acllahuasi. Among the main Acllahuasi were those in Cuzco, which served as models for others, as well as those in Pachacamac and Machu Picchu, where activities went beyond religious training, including teaching manual and artistic skills.
Construction
The architecture of the Acllahuasi was monumental, with high windowless walls, giving them a convent-like appearance. This design was part of a security system that ensured the protection of the Acllas. Entrances were guarded by numerous porters, and security was strict, even applying severe penalties to those who attempted to violate the rules. Over time, as one moved away from Cuzco, the buildings became more modest but retained their function of protecting the maidens and ensuring their dedication to serving the empire.
Education
Education in the Acllahuasi was rigorous and varied, focusing on religious, labor, and artistic training. The Acllas learned dances, singing, weaving, and the preparation of sacred foods, such as chicha. They were instructed in fine crafts and in making garments for the Inca and the Coya. This training was not only vital for the Inca court but also prepared the Acllas for their role in preserving the cultural traditions of the empire. Their dedication to sacred and ceremonial tasks reflected their importance in the spiritual life of the Tahuantinsuyo.
Types of Acllas
The Acllas were classified into several types, each with specific roles within Inca society. The "Virgins of the Sun," for example, were chosen from the daughters of the high nobility and dedicated to serving the Sun God, leading lives of chastity and spiritual dedication. Other Acllas came from provincial nobility and were destined to become wives of the Inca or high-ranking nobles. There were also Acllas of lower social status who could marry upon completing their service. This diversity of roles reflected the complexity of Inca society, where each Aclla contributed uniquely to the social and political fabric of the empire.
The Acllas, maidens of the Inca Empire, represent a crucial element in Andean history. Their role was not only to be symbols of beauty and virtue but also key pieces in the political and social structure of the Tahuantinsuyo. Through their selection, education, and diverse functions, these women solidified their place in the history of the Inca Empire. Their legacy endures in the cultural memory of Andean peoples, reminding us of the importance of women in building complex and functional societies.
Sources Consulted
Valcárcel, E. (2016). The Acllas: Women of the Tahuantinsuyo. Lima: Owl Publishing.
Mendoza, J. (2018). Women and Power in the Inca Empire: A Study of the Acllas. Cusco: National University of San Antonio Abad.
Vargas, R. (2015). The Maidens of the Sun: Acllas in Inca History. Arequipa: Peruvian Editions.
Article originally published on [12/17/2020], updated on [10/23/2024]