What were the religious practices of the Inca civilization?

The Inca civilization had a rich and complex religious system that played a central role in their society. At the core of Inca religion was the worship of numerous gods, each representing different aspects of nature and human life. The most important deity in Inca mythology was Inti, the sun god, who was believed to be the ancestor of the Inca rulers.

Inca gods

Aside from Inti, the Inca also revered other important gods such as Viracocha, the creator god, and Mama Quilla, the moon goddess. These gods were often represented in art and sculpture, and their images could be found in temples and ceremonial sites throughout the Inca empire.

Inca rituals and ceremonies

The Inca performed elaborate rituals and ceremonies to honor their gods and ensure the well-being of their society. These ceremonies often involved offerings of food, drink, and precious items, as well as dances, music, and prayers conducted by priests and shamans.

Inca spiritual beliefs and daily life

For the Inca, spiritual beliefs permeated every aspect of daily life, influencing everything from agriculture and architecture to social hierarchy and political decisions. The Inca believed in an afterlife where the souls of the dead would join the gods in the heavens, leading them to mummify their deceased rulers and retain their bodies within the empire.