Introduction:
The religious tradition of “Brides of the Sun” was an Incan based ritual. Acllas were young virgins taken from their families by the state, these women spent their lives serving the Incas. These women were selected after the Inca had conquered another ethnic group.(p.47.Martin & Wasserman). Acllas had to sever all connections with their Ayllus, and were taken to Cuzco. These women were selected at a very young age, to serve the Inca and the realm (p.188.Abbott). Many women remained in Cuzco to weave textiles, manufacture chicha, become wives of the emperor,or returned home to be concubines of distinguished personnel, these women were highly regarded in society and lead important roles. Only a select few Acllas were declared as brides of the sun, these women were also educated by the state although this education was in formal and performed by older Acllas called Mamaconas . The “Brides of the Sun” were sometimes sacrificed to Inti the sun god, this was considered to be a very important role in Incan religion, however this eventually leads to Incan demise in the 1400`s – 1500`s (p.47.Martin & Wasserman).
Sources
Cheryl E. Martin & Mark Wasserman