Published March 23, 2026 | Version v1
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Capacocha

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Tulane University

Contributors

  • 1. Louisiana State University

Description

The Capacocha (Qhapaq Hucha) ritual was a rite of sacrifice in which an imperial subject (biological male or female, ranging in age from childhood to young adulthood) of the Inka Empire (i.e., Tawantinsuyu) was selected based upon perceived "physical perfection." The selected individual would live like an Inka royal elite for a year prior to their sacrifice to Inti, the Sun God and patron deity of Tawantinsuyu. The act of sacrifice was typically completed on an important summit. Thus far, archaeological examples of the Capacocha ritual are limited to the southern portion of the Inka Empire within province of Qullasuyu.

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References

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