Inca Funerary Practices

Mummification and Funerary Rites

• November is significant in Inca culture as the “month of carrying the dead,” emphasizing the importance of honoring ancestors.
• During this month, families would attempt to feed the mummies of their ancestors, signifying ongoing relationships with the deceased.

Textile and Clothing

• Cumpi represents the highest quality textiles within Inca society, specifically designated for the nobility and the emperor.
• Clothing was primarily woven from llama, alpaca, and vicuña wool, as well as cotton, showcasing the Incas’ textile craftsmanship.

Precious Materials

• The Incas created objects using gold and silver, indicative of their advanced metallurgy and artistry.
• Gold was utilized for various purposes, including ritual items, jewelry, and trinkets, reflecting its cultural and spiritual significance.
• Tumbaga, a blend of gold and copper, along with combinations of gold and silver, showcased the Incas’ innovative use of materials in their artifacts.

Architectural Skills

• Inca craftsmen exhibited remarkable skill, constructing buildings with stones that fit together so perfectly that not even a razor blade could be inserted between them, demonstrating their advanced engineering techniques.