The Inca civilization, which flourished in the Andean region of South America, had a profound reverence for celestial bodies, and the Sun and Moon were among the most venerated entities in their cosmology. Both played pivotal roles in their religious beliefs, societal organization, and rituals.
Primary Deity: Inti was considered the most significant god in the Inca pantheon. As the sun god, he was seen as the giver of life and a benevolent deity, nurturing crops and providing warmth.
Festivals: The most notable festival dedicated to Inti was Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. Celebrated at the winter solstice, it was a time of feasting, dancing, and sacrifices to ensure good crops and the Sun's return.
Iconography: The golden sun disk was a recurrent symbol associated with Inti. The Inca rulers, considered descendants of Inti, wore it as an emblem of their divine lineage.
Temples: The most famous temple dedicated to Inti was the Coricancha (Qoricancha), located in Cusco, the Inca capital. It was said to be a magnificent structure with walls plated in gold.
Significance: Mama Quilla was the sister and wife of Inti. She was considered a protective deity, guarding women and overseeing marriage and the menstrual cycle.
Eclipses: Lunar eclipses were of particular concern to the Incas. They believed that during an eclipse, a celestial animal was attacking Mama Quilla. To ward off this threat, they would shout, throw weapons, and make their dogs bark and howl, attempting to scare away the beast.
Temples and Rituals: Mama Quilla had her temples, where priestesses, chosen women known as the "Aclla Cuna" or "Virgins of the Sun," would conduct ceremonies and rituals in her honor.
Iconography: Mama Quilla was often depicted as a silver disk, representing the glowing moon.
The Inca worldview was deeply rooted in dualism, and this was reflected in their reverence for both the Sun and the Moon. This duality represented the harmonious balance in nature and society.
Inti and Mama Quilla embodied this cosmic balance. The Sun, with its intense heat and light, was balanced by the cool and soothing glow of the Moon.
The Incas had advanced knowledge of celestial patterns. They used this knowledge for agricultural purposes, determining planting and harvesting times based on the positions of the sun, moon, and stars.
They built structures, like the Intihuatana stone at Machu Picchu, which were possibly used for astronomical and ceremonial purposes, aligning with the Sun or Moon during solstices and equinoxes.
The Inca king, known as the Sapa Inca, was considered a direct descendant of Inti. This divine lineage gave him the authority to rule and was central to the Inca's theocratic society.
In conclusion, the Sun and Moon were not just celestial entities for the Incas but were central to their understanding of the cosmos, life, and society. Their movements and phases governed festivals, rituals, and daily activities, showcasing the profound connection the Incas felt with the heavens.