The Mystery of Aclla: The Chosen Women of the Inca Empire Buried Alive as Human Sacrifices?

The Mystery of Aclla: The Chosen Women of the Inca Empire Buried Alive as Human Sacrifices?. Known as the 'Chosen Women' or 'Virgins of the Sun', Aclla were a group of girls chosen at the age of 10 to live isolated in the Inca Empire. They were not just skilled weavers or corn beer makers—some ended up as human sacrifices to calm the gods. This article uncovers the secrets of their lives, tasks, and tragic fates.. Who Were the Aclla Really? Aclla, or aklla in Quechua, were a group of special women chosen by the Inca Empire officials. They were selected around the age of 10, based on their beauty, physical perfection, and natural talents. After a special ceremony, they were taken to the Acllahuasi , a complex of houses like a monastery. There, they were trained in various skills such as weaving fine fabrics, preparing ceremonial food, and making chicha corn beer for religious rituals. Why Were They Chosen at Such a Young Age? The initial selection was a strategy of the Inca Empire to ensure purity and absolute loyalty. Children of this age could still be molded according to the state's wishes—without strong family ties. They were considered the property of the Inca Emperor and the sun god Inti . By taking them from all corners of the empire, the state also strengthened control over conquered territories. They became symbols of the emperor's generosity, but also tools for population control and ideology. Were They Just Weavers and Cooks? No. Their tasks were diverse and depended on their 'perfection'. Most Aclla spent their lives as makers of luxurious items—extremely fine cumbi fabrics, only for the nobility and gods. They also prepared ceremonial food and chicha for major celebrations. However, there was a small group called 'the most perfect'. They were chosen to become capacocha , human sacrifices in important religious rituals. They were taken to the top of a mountain or a sacred place, given intoxicating drinks, and sacrificed either crushed by rocks, strangled, or left to freeze . How Was Their Daily Life in Acllahuasi? Life in Acllahuasi was a mix of strict discipline and luxury. They were taught to read, write in the form of quipu , and understand Inca astronomy. Their food was the best—meat, vegetables—and they lived in clean rooms. However, they were not allowed to leave freely. High walls and loyal guards ensured no contact with men, except for the emperor himself or a designated man. Their time was filled with prayer, manual work, and physical training. This might seem like a 'golden prison', but for many Aclla, it was the only life they knew. What Was Their Fate After Growing Up? There were three main paths. First, the most fortunate ones were married to nobles or heroes who had served the empire. This marriage was a gift from the emperor, and they became faithful wives. Second, some remained in Acllahuasi until old age, managing the houses. Third, and most tragically, they were chosen as sacrifices. Those selected were paraded in a grand procession, given the highest honors, but ultimately died for the empire's prosperity. Their bodies were mummified and worshiped as intermediaries to the gods. Did Aclla Exist After the Fall of the Inca Empire? After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the Aclla system was destroyed. The Acllahuasi buildings were demolished or converted into churches. Many surviving Aclla were forced to marry Spanish conquistadors, became concubines, or died from European diseases. However, their legacy remains in the form of fine textiles found in Inca tombs and in stories told by Spanish writers like Garcilaso de la Vega. They are now symbols of the Inca Empire's power, spirituality, and cruelty. Conclusion: The Unfinished Mystery Aclla is proof that behind the grandeur of the Inca Empire, there were stories of suffering women who had no choice in their lives. They were worshiped and humiliated at the same time. Although the system is gone, their shadows remain in the Andean valleys, where stone statues and mummies continue to tell their stories. The question remains: were they truly 'chosen virgins' or just victims of a cruel system? The answer may never be fully known.