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ROLE OF WOMEN IN INCA SOCIETY

The Incas were arguably the most successful culture to

inhabit the new world. With their incredible fortresses with

perfectly cut stones, intense agricultural systems, and

complex social hierarchies, women played an important role

in Inca society. In the agricultural realm, women

participated in the field by sowing seeds after the men made

holes in the ground (USIL). The Inca held a belief that

women were essential for a successful crop because they

were the life-bringers (USIL). They carried bundles of corn

to be dried and later grinded corn and potatoes (USIL).

According to skeletal analysis of Inca remains, women

consumed the same amount of food as men, which is a

symbol of equality within the community (USIL). Although not required to work for the government doing

“mit’a” or public service, women had a public service of their own. They were required to weave a piece of

clothing each year for Inca storehouses in case of emergency (USIL). In the domestic realm, women’s main

role was to take care of the children, something that has continued into Peruvian culture today up until very

recently.

Duality is represented in all aspects of Incan life, including this harvest ceremony of the women sowing seed,

while the man uses a Chaquitaclla to till.

INCA INFLUENCE ON MALE AND FEMALE SPIRITUALITY

Often using duality as representative in religion, The Incas said that the Moon, called “Coya”, was the sister

and wife of the Sun, and had domain over the sea, wind, queen, princesses, and female birth (Silverblatt,

2002). Because such a high deity had domain over the cycle of birth and the power of reproduction, women

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