Little is known about the calendar used by the Inca. The written evidence available is from a biased, Eurocentric conqueror - the Spanish. That said, most scholars agree that the Inca must have had an extensive knowledge regarding the solar and lunar cycles in order to prepare for the planting and harvesting of their crops. The Inca’s growing season and solar dates of importance included: summer solstice [December], fall equinox [March], winter solstice [June 24th or Inti Raymi], and spring equinox [September]. The Inca grew maize, white and sweet potatoes, quinoa, pineapple as well as other crops. They grew over twenty different types of maize and two-hundred forty different types of potatoes. The farmland was divided into three sections. Section one had crops grown strictly for the Inca [ruler], his family, and other elites. Section two had crops grown to be divided amongst the common people. Section three had crops grown for the purpose of the yearly festivals. Incan festivals were associated with the agricultural cycles. Several festivals/months are listed here:
- Zarap Tuta Cavai Mitan [January] or the time to watch the corn grow.
- Pacha Pucuy Quilla [March] or the month of the land’s maturation.
- Camai Quilla [April] or the month of harvest and rest.
The Inca coupled their gods/religion with their agricultural calendar. Among them, Inti was the sun god and Illapa was the thunder/weather god. Temples and holy sites for these two gods were found throughout the Inca's Empire. The Coricancha was a sacred dwelling in Cuzco where golden objects such as plants, animals, and bits of dirt were housed. The Coricancha was used in solar ceremonies especially during the winter solstice or Inti Raymi [June 24th]. Often, food and animals were offered up to the sun god as well as various other gods.
The festivals also had a social significance. The festivals were a time of communal celebration where feasting, music, and dancing lasted for many days. Chicha or brewed maize beer was most likely consumed. However, in the end, the main reason for an Incan festival was the harvest and the successful crop that came with it.
Relevant Links on the Inca Calendar and Festivals
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Britannica. Volume 15: Birds – Chemicals and Volume 26: Pre-Columbian – Sacred; Macropedia: Knowledge in Depth. University of Chicago, Chicago. 1990
Internet: Andean Cosmology
James Q. Jacobs
Internet: Incan Indians
Millville.org
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Featured February 28 , 2007
