HST 197 Lecture Notes - Lecture 43: Inca Society, Imperial Cult, Ruling Class
Document Summary
Inca society didn"t generate large classes of merchants or skilled artisans. Incans bartered surplus agricultural production and handcrafted goods among themselves. Long-distance trade fell under the supervision of the central government. Administrators organized exchanges of agricultural products, textiles, pottery, jewelry and craft goods. Inca state didn"t allow individuals to become independent merchants. In absence of market economy, there was no opportunity for a large class of professional and skilled artisans to emerge. Many individuals produced goods and tools for local consumption. Few individuals produced fine goods for ruling, priestly and aristocratic classes. In theory, the god-king owned all land, livestock and property in inca realm. Inca rulers retained prestige even after they died. Descendants mummified royal remains and regarded departed kings as intermediaries with the gods. On occasion the certain festivals, rulers brought out mummified remains of their ancestors, dressed them with fine clothes, adorned them with gold and silver, honored them and presented them with offerings of food.
