The Incas worshipped many gods. There was a creator and several sky
gods. There were also goddesses of the earth and sea.
Below is a list of some of the gods.
| Name of God | Title |
| Viracocha | creator |
| Inti | Sun god |
| Mama Kilya | mother moon |
| Ilyapa | god of weather |
The Incas believed that gold was the sweat of the sun. Gold was only
valued when it was used to create ceremonial objects, such as containers
and jewelry, or when it was used to adorn tombs and temples. Much of the
gold of the Incas was taken and melted down when Pizarro invaded the Inca
empire.
Many of the religious ceremonies centered on agriculture - the growing and harvesting of crops - and on curing illnesses. Sometimes the Inca sacrificed animals or even people to the gods, especially the god of the sun. Sacrifices (capacocha ritual) were also made following certain events like earthquakes or the death of an emperor.
In addition to priests who led religious ceremonies the Inca also had mamacunas who were like nuns today. The mamacunas lived in convents. They taught spinning, weaving, making royal clothing, and baking holy bread.
ACTIVITY
Write a legend as if you were an Inca about one of the gods listed
above.
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