Inka Culture and Quechua Language

To understand Inka astronomy and cosmovision it is important to have an understanding of Inka culture. Many languages existed in the Tawantinsuyo and still do today. The main one was Quechua, or Runa Simi, and a familiarity with terms in the Quechua language is necessary to begin to better conceptualize the worldview that existed throughout the Tawantinsuyo. This chapter will introduce certain Quechua terms, and doing so will help greatly to embrace the logic of life in space and time in Inka culture. Main principles of life such as Ayni, Kawsaypacha, Iskaynintin, Mit’a, Minka, Masintin, Yanantin, and Tinkuy will be explored (Fig. 4.1).