The Description and Division ofPeru.
Peru, so call’d, as some think, from the RiverBeruafore mention’d, in the Southern part ofAmerica, was antiently a great and mighty Kingdom, asMexicoin the Northern, and fell under the Power of theSpaniardsmuch after the same manner that the Kingdom ofMexicodid,viz.through the Dissentions and Differences amongst the People themselves, as in the History of this considerable part of theNew Worldwill be related at large hereafter.
PERV
Commodities of the Countrey.
The FountainPuchio.
Another strange Fountain.
A most wonderful Rock.
The Kingdom of the Kings ofCusco, which in some sence, and by some Writers upon occasion, is call’dThe Kingdom of Peru, was extended by the lastIncaor King,Huayna Capac, from North to South above a thousand Leagues together, comprehending not only a great part of the Province ofChiletowards the South, but also the new Kingdom ofGranada, and divers other Provinces to the North; butPeru, properly so call’d, containeth little more than half so much,viz.six hundred Leagues in length, and about fifty or threescore in breadth, except onely in some places, as in the Countrey ofChacopoyas, where ’tis thought it may be a hundred Leagues from theAndesto the South Sea: It lieth between the first and fifth Degrees of Southern Latitude, and is bounded on the East and North-East with that vast Ridge of Mountains which they call theAndes; on the West it is wash’d withMare del Zur; on the North it hath the Countrey ofPopayan; and on the South,Chile: It is commonly divided into three parts, which they callThe Plains,The Hill-Countrey, andThe Andes; thePlainsare that part of the Countrey which lie along upon the Sea-Coast, being for the most part a meer Level without any Hills at all. TheSierra, as they call it, orHill-Countrey, is that part ofPeruwhich is partly mountainous and partly plain, fertile and well inhabited in both. TheAndesare so high, rocky, and inaccessible, that they are scarce inhabited at all but by Salvages, save onely upon the skirts of them. ThePlainsfrom the Sea-shore to theHill-Countrey, are for the most part about ten Leagues over or broad, upon which it scarce raineth all the year long. TheHill-Countreyis commonly twenty Leagues in breadth where narrowest; and fromSeptembertoAprilhath Rain, the rest of the Year generally being fair Weather; but on theAndes, which take up all the rest of the Countrey ofPeru, it raineth almost continually all the year long. In theHill-Countreytheir Summer begins inApril, as is said, and ends inSeptember; but in thePlainsit begins inOctober, and ends inMay; so that in the space of a day a Man may feel both Summer and Winter; be scorch’d with excessive Heat in the Morning, and yet well nipt with Cold before Night. TheAndesgenerally are cover’d with thick Woods and wild Forrests. TheHill-Countreyis for a great space naked and open; thePlainsin many places sandy and dry, and would be much more scorch’d with Heat than they are, but for the neighborhood of the Sea, which affords them many cooling Gales from the South and South-West Winds, whose property, although it be natural in other parts to be tempestuous, to bring Rain and foul Weather, yet here there is nothing but Serenity and fair Sun-shine days all the year long, although these Winds blow almost without ceasing upon the Countrey, and no other at any time, whereas theSierra, orHill-Countreyshave Wind from every Coast, and such as bringeth all sorts of Weather with it, Rain, Hail, Frost, Snow, great claps of Thunder,&c.The Countrey affordeth not so much Cattel of the breed ofEuropeas some other Provinces ofAmerica; but in stead of Kine and Sheep, the Woods and Pastures are replenish’d with multitudes of theVicugnesandPacos, which are of no less Profit and Service. ThePacoshere are said to be as big as some young Heifers of two years old, bearing a Fleece like Sheep, and their Flesh no less pleasant than the Mutton ofEurope. But the great Wealth of this Countrey lies out of sight in the bowels of the Earth,viz.in those rich and (as they may seem) inexhaustible Mines both of Gold and Silver, which, as ’tis well known, the Countrey ofPeruaffordeth more than any other Province ofAmericabesides. TheSierraopens into large Valleys, amongst the chiefest whereof areXauxa,Andaguailas, andYucay, all of them well inhabited and fruitful. BelowCuscothe MountainsAndesand those ofSierrarun a greater distance than elsewhere one from the other, leaving the great PlainCallaoin the middle. Moreover, several sandy Wilds, without Water, Herbs, Trees, or any living Creature, except Birds, extend fromTumbeztoTaparaca. From the Valleys flow several Rivers into the Southern Ocean. On the MountainPirais a Fountain call’dPuchio, which springs in the Night, but is quite dry in the Day-time. Also near the chief CityQuitoin the ValleyChilo, is a Fountain whose Waters boyl faster or slower according as any one speaks softer or louder; and when not a word is spoken, it stirs not at all. If any thing exceed this for strangeness, it is a Rock in the ProvinceConcuchos, which is all compos’d of black and white Stones, which are so neatly plac’d by Nature, as if Art had done a Master-piece, in the exact placing of them one between another: but the chiefest thing belonging to it worthy of admiration, is a wonderful power either to heal or hurt; for if the black Stones in this Rock be touch’d by any, they cause immediate Death; whenas the white ones cure all manner of Sicknesses, and being digg’d out, leave a Seed behind them, out of which grow new Stones to fill up the empty place.
Iuca Garcilasso, Extracted from thePeruvianKings, tells us concerning Plants, That he saw a Raddish which a Man with both Arms could scarce embrace, and that under the shade of their Leaves, Horses might stand. But of all thePeruanFruit theCocoais the crown, which grows on Trees of a Fathom long in hot and moist Grounds of the Valleys betweenAndesandSierra; from whence it is carried to the Sea-Coast in long Baskets by Companies of three or four thousand at a time on the Backs of the SheepPacos. Before theSpaniardscoming hither none might chewCocoawithout the Governor’s leave: A handful thereof chew’d and suck’d in the Mouth, enables a Man to travel two days without any other Sustenance, and mix’d with burnt Bones or Chalk, it is accounted an excellent Dish; there is such extraordinary plenty of them, that the Inhabitants spend yearly 90000 Baskets of the Leaves in Pottage. ThePeruansalso esteemMamayes, a Fruit which grows round, not unlike a Peach, with two Stones, hard Rinds, and a well-rellish’d Pulp within, which dipt in Sugar is a great Dainty; they grow for the most part in the Islands. TheGuaiyavasbears a wholsom and delicious Fruit like a large Plumb. ThePalto, a Tree with many Boughs, bears a Fruit resembling a Pear, having a hard Rind, and within the Pulp a great Stone. The Fruit which grows on theAnnonahath outwardly the same shape, but white within, and hath many black Kernels, which taste very deliciously. The FruitAndas, so call’d from the desolatePeruanMountains on which they grow, resemble the fore-mention’dCocoa, but differ from theEast-Indian, because they are full of hard shell’d Almonds, the like whereof grows on the TreeCachapoyas, which are not inferior to anyEuropeanFruits that grow on Trees; in that part ofPeruwhich hath its Name from that Fruit is the best sort, being exceedingly devour’d by Monkies, who plucking theCachapoyaAlmonds from their Stalks, throw them on the Ground to break their prickly Shells, that so they may eat the Kernels without hurt. TheMille-Tree, being a sort of Grapes, furnishes with Wine. But the greatest benefit the Inhabitants receive is by their SheepPacosandMoromoros, which carry great Loads, and feed on what they find by the Way; their Flesh is good and wholsom, and being either Smoak’d or Salted, keeps good a considerable time; their Wool dress’d affordsCumbi, of which they make fineTable-clothes and Tapestry, which on both sides is alike. The chiefest Weavers liv’d formerly atCopachicanear the great LakeTiticacu: They Dye their Wool with the Juice of boyl’d Herbs. It seems also strange to consider what Loads the foremention’d Sheep carried, for besides all sorts of Merchandise, they convey’d the Silver fromPotositoArica, a Way of sixty three Leagues; but in former times they brought it as far again toArequipa; and though they carried two thousand Bars at a time, amounting to above thirty thousandDucats, yet they had no other Guard but a few Herdsmen, who driving them slept with them in the Nights under the bare Skie, yet lost none of their Riches, but when the bald Sheep call’dMoromoros, being wearied with their Loads, standing still, stretch’d out their Necks, and looking on their Drivers, on a sudden ran up into the Mountains, by which means the Silver was oft-times lost, if they were not suddenly shot. The woolly SheepPacoshave also strange Tricks, for they often fall down under their Loads, and cannot be got up again, but must be let alone till they rise of themselves. So soon as one of the Sheep hath gotten the Mange (which thePeruvianscallT’ecarache,) they bury them alive to prevent farther Infection.
The Customs and Habits of the antient Natives.
Giants antiently inSt. Helena.
The antient Natives, though differing in Language and Customs, yet went all Apparell’d after the same fashion, the Men cover’d themselves with a Shirt, which came down below their Knees, and over that a Cotton Cloak, the Women wore woollen Coats down to their Ancles: Their Head-Ornaments were different according to an inviolable Compact between the Natives of several Provinces; for some were wrought, some plain, some divers colour’d Caps, with two, three, or no Feathers, according to the Custom of the Place: They were generally of a middle Stature; but those that were near theEquinoctial Linelesser. Their Histories make mention also of Gyants, who formerly inhabited the PromontorySt. Helena, were each four times bigger than an ordinary Man, and fed not onely on the greatest Sea-Monsters, but devour’d each of them thirtyPeruviansat a Meal. The Stone Images of these Gyants are at this day to be seen not far fromPuerto Viejo. They likewise kept for a longtime Annual Feast-Days, on which they lamented the loss of the Gyants, which (as they say) was as followeth:
A Youth glittering in glory like the Sun descended from Heaven, and breath’d Fire, which rending the Rocks so terrifi’d the Giants, that they fled into a deep Cave, where they were all kill’d.
Helviusfinds the Bones of the Giants.
Cornelius Whitefleetrelates, ThatHelvius, Governor ofPuerto Viejobeing stirr’d up by the Report of the fore-mention’d Images, caus’d all the Graves to be broke open, in some of which he found Bones, which they suppos’d to be Whale-Bones, had not the Sculls manifested the contrary.
The original of the Kingdom ofPeru.
The original of theIngas.
Concerning the original of the Kingdom ofPeruthe Natives give this Account of it: That the most antient Inhabitants flock’d together like wild Beasts, without constant Abodes, Customs, Laws, or Governors, which salvageness is still retain’d in many Parts, amongst theBrasilians,Chunches,Chiruguanes,Yscayungus,Piloconens, most of theFloridans,Chinchemecos, and others, which degenerate from all Humanity. In time when some kind of Government began to be observ’d, it was rather Popular than Monarchical; yet generally those that were most powerful, valiant and subtile, bore the greatest sway: Amongst whom the first that five Ages since Commanded over the Inhabitants of the ValleyCusco, wasIngaroca, a subtile and politick Person, who built the FortPucora, Eastward near the Foot of the MountainAndes, that so he might bridle the People which inhabited in those Parts between the Rivers, Moors, and Lakes, where the remainders of the Fort are to be seen at this day: Moreover, he conquer’d all the Countrey along the SouthernOcean towards the North and South, giving out that he was extracted from one of the sevenIngas(by which Name thePeruanKings have been styl’d ever since) which came out of the CavePacaritambo, where they were preserv’d against the Deluge (of which theHeathensinAmericahad long since an obscure knowledge,) and restor’d the drowned Families; wherefore every one not onely obey’d, but paid him Tribute, and bound themselves to receive of him the true Religion, which they desir’d he would teach them, as none knowing the same better than he, whom they look’d upon as Extracted from theIngas. Amongst theseIngasthe chiefest was said to beMangocapa, who, according to their fabulous Tradition, climb’d through the WindowTamboout of the CavePacaritambo, and produc’d two Families,viz.Hunan Cusco, andUrin Cusco; from the first whereofIngarocaaffirm’d himself Descended, and having first made himself Master of all the Countreys aboutCusco, rais’d the FamilyVicaquiquirao, and laid out a great part of his Revenues upon Gold and Silver Utensils, and Ornaments for his Person and House, which he in his last Will charg’d that none of his Successors should inherit, nor dwell in his Palace, but that every one should build a new Habitation for themselves: He also erected divers Golden Idols.
Yaguarguoquthe secondInga.
Viracocha Ingahis great Riches.
Some Authors begin thisDynastieof the Kings ofPeruin a very different manner, makingMango Capato be the first thereof, and to have been Succeeded by his SonChincaroca, which cannot but be the same with thisIngarocahere mention’d.Yaguarguoqu(that is,Crier of Blood, because on a time being Commander, and taken Prisoner, out of vexation and exceeding grief he criedBlood). Succeeding him after his Death, rais’d the FamilyAocaillipanaca, and was Succeeded by his eldest Son, the wealthyViracocha Inga, of whom, when theSpaniardsconquer’dPeru, went a Report, that great Riches lay buried in the Earth with him; whereforeGonzalus Pizarrustortur’d the Natives after an inhumane manner, to know of them where the Grave of the saidIngawas; at last obtaining his Desire, he digg’d for the Body, which he found so well Embalm’d, that it seem’d to live, but no Gold with it; whereforePizarrusdeceiv’d in his expectation, burnt the Corps; the Ashes whereof theIndiansgathering in Urns, worshipp’d, though when he liv’d the Vulgar were much incens’d at him, for taking upon him the Name ofViracocha, who was their supream God and Creator of all things; but he pacifi’d them, saying, ThatViracochaappearing to him in a Dream, had commanded him to take that Name upon him.
Yupangui’s Policy to gain an Opinion amongst the People.
Gross superstition.
The fourthInga, call’dPachacuto Yupanguisucceeded in the Throne after the Death of his eldest Brother, who was slain in a Field-Battel against theChangas, inhabiting the ValleyAndaguailas, where thePeruanArmy was utterly defeated, few of them onely escaping by flight; among whom wasYupangui, who perswaded the rest to a subtile Design, by alledging, That the Almighty Creator, angry at their Destruction, had reveal’d many Secrets to him,viz.That the Creator in Heaven was call’dViracocha Pachayachachie; That he resented it very ill; That whereas he formerly made Heaven, Sun, Moon, Stars, and Men, none worshipp’d him for it, but in stead of him they reverenc’d the Sun, Thunder, and the Earth, who had their Beings from him; That he would shew his Power against the victoriousChangasby an unexpected Assistance of an invisible Army. This being believ’d of every one, stirr’d up thePeruansfar and near, insomuch that in a short time a vast Army being rais’d, presented themselves toYupangui, who made good use thereof; and also told them thatViracochahad decreed in Heaven, that heYupanguishould be his Vicegerent on Earth; which the Army believing, set thePeruanCrown which they had taken from his Father, on his Head: Thus promoted, he march’d againsttheChangas, whom in a bloody Battel he Conquer’d, and brought them all under his Obedience: Moreover, he made his Soldiers believe, that they were not the Conquerors, but invisible Men, whomViracochahad sent, and who could be seen by none but himself; and that after the Battel they were turn’d into Stones, which they must seek for. Whereupon they gathering a great number of Stones on the Mountains,Yupanguicall’d themPururancas, and order’d that they should be worshipp’d, and carried with them into the Field whensoe’re they fought another Battel, hoping thereby to stir up his Soldiers to be couragious, who firmly believ’d, that with the visible Stones walk’d invisible Heroes that would certainly assist them. This Imagination wrought so much, thatYupangui’s Army assur’d of Victory with the help of the Stones, went on undauntedly on all Designs, insomuch that being fear’d by all the adjacent People, he forc’d them all to submission. ThisYupanguirais’d the FamilyYuaupococa, and plac’d a great Golden Image call’dIndyllapaon a Golden Chariot, which since was religiously worshipp’d, and afterwards carried toCaxamalca, for a Ransom of thePeruvianKingAttabaliba, whom theSpanishGeneralPizarruskept Prisoner, and at last Strangled. The CouncellorPolusopeningYupangui’s Grave, found the Body Embalm’d, and no way defaced, but the Eyes cover’d with thin Golden Plates, and on his Head appear’d the Scar of a Stone which had been thrown at him; and though the Body had lain eighty years in the Grave, yet it seem’d rather living than dead, being onely a little grey. This Corps, as also several otherInga’s, the MarquessCamettebrought fromCuscotoLima, so to prevent thePeruviansworshipping of them.
The Greatness and Riches ofGuayacava.
Yupanguiafter his Decease was succeeded bySopa Inga, and he by his Son of the same Name, who rais’d the FamilyAyoac Aillo: The last (for nothing worthy of memory was done by either of them,) was succeeded byGuaynacava, a wealthy and valiant young Man, who was no sooner setled on the Throne, but he manag’d all things with great prudence, maintain’d War with several People, and conquer’d the Kingdom ofQuito, four hundred Leagues beyondCusco, whither after his Death his Body was carried, and buried in the famous Temple of the Sun, but his Entrails were buried inQuitonot without many bloody Offerings, thousands of his Servants Sacrificing themselves at his Grave willingly, that so they might serve their Prince in the other World. The invaluable Treasures which he left behind him were carefully hid by thePeruvianstill theSpaniardsconquer’d that Countrey: The pav’d Ways, magnificent Buildings, and strong Castles, testifie as yet the Power of thisInga; wherefore in his life-time he was honor’d as a God. His MotherMamaocloliv’d to see above three hundred of her Children’s Children, all Extracted from her SonGuaynacava.
War betweenHuascarand his BrotherAttabaliba.
Huascarburnt alive.
The chief of the FamilyTanebambawereHuascarandAttabaliba, Sons toGuaynacava, (both by theCoya, or lawful Queen, however some have deliver’d to the contrary) who falling at variance betwixt themselves, resolv’d to decide the Quarrel by a Field-Battel, in whichAttabaliba, being the youngest, was Conqueror. This Civil War was at the heighth when theSpaniardsinvadedPeru, which they could never have conquer’d, had not the Realm been so divided. DuringAttabaliba’s Imprisonment byPizarrus, his two Generals,QuizanizandChilicuchima, took theInga Huascar(formerly call’dTito Cusi Gualpa,Attabaliba’s Brother) inCusco, and carrying him to the ValleySacsahuana, burnt him alive. It is set down as remarkable, thatHuascarafter his being vanquish’d, made great Offerings toViracocha, thereby to gain his assistance in his extremity againstAttabaliba; when he was inform’d, that a strange People which came from a remote Place over the Seas, had defeatedAttabaliba’s Army, and taken him Prisoner: From which NewsHuascartaking courage,call’d theSpaniardsViracochas, and judg’d that they were come from Heaven to his Delivery, and the more, because his Brother had spilt so much Blood already: forAttabalibahad not onely slain the PrinceAtoco, which ledHuascar’s Army, with three thousand two hundred Men, and drank out ofAtoco’s Skull tipt with Gold, but had also pluck’d out the Harts of above a thousand Children, which theCannaritessent with Palm-Boughs to him, to desire Peace.
Mango IngaSettles in the MountainVilcabamba.
AfterAttabaliba’s andHuascar’s Decease,Mango Ingatheir Brother drove all theSpaniardsout ofCusco, whither they not long after coming with new Forces, necessitatedMango, not without the loss of many Men, to take his flight up into the MountainVilcabamba, where he Setling, his Successors Reign to this day, secur’d from any Invasion by the natural strength of the Place. But theInga Saritopacoming from the fore-mention’d Mountain, submitted himself to theSpaniards, who allow’d him the ValleyYucayto dwell peaceably in; but the rest of the Family of theInga’s that fell into the Hands of theSpaniards, were all of them kill’d inCusco, not without great grief of the old Inhabitants, to see so antient and noble a Family, by which they had been Govern’d in great State for three hundred years together, put to death by common Executioners.
Cuscothe Residence of thePeruvianKings.
The CityCusco, which was the Royal Seat of all thePeruvianKings, was made more splendid than ever before, byGuayanacava, of whomAugustine de Tarrate, describing his Magnificence, relates, That when his Queen was Deliver’d of a Son, who was to succeed in the Throne,Guayanacavakept a great Feast for twenty days together, and on that day when the Child was to be Nam’d, a Golden Chain, each Link of which was as big as a Hand, and contain’d in all seven hundred Foot in length, was carried by twentyPeruviansto the Temple.
The manner of the Succession of their Kings.
The Succession of theInga’s was after this manner: TheInga’s keeping many Concubines had many Children by them, none of which could lay claim to thePeruvianCrown, but onely the Son begotten on theCoya, orQueen, being generally the Kings own Sister, (whom they accounted lawful for them to Marry, as in antient times did theEgyptianKings) Inherited the Realm, unless theIngahad a lawful Brother, who Inherited before the Son, though born of aCoya; or if the said Brother had a Son, he obtain’d the deceased Uncles Crown before him, who in apparence was the elder Heir.
The same Succession was also observ’d by other Governors, which thePeruvianscallCuraca’s.
Their Burials and disposal of their Treasure.
The Burials of their Kings were perform’d with great solemnity; and the Treasures which they left behind were bestow’d in building of magnificentGuaha’s, which were Temples or religious Houses, where a kind of solemn Worship was to be perform’d, to celebrate the Memory of the Deceased. Some part of the Treasure was also distributed amongst theInga’s Servants; but the Successor inherited not the least Mite of what his Predecessor had gotten, but was forc’d, according to an antient Law, to build himself a new Palace, and purchas’d anew every thing else belonging to it.
Their Crown.
Their Crown or Diadem was onely a fine red woollen Coif with a Tassel, that hung down over their Foreheads, which other meaner Princes wore hanging on their right Ear.
Their Coronations.
Their Coronations were also kept in great Pomp and State, the Nobility and Priests coming from all parts of the Countrey toCusco, besides an innumerable multitude of common People.
The Noblemens Presents to theInga’s consisted chiefly of Gold and Silver Vessels, fine Cloth call’dCumbi, all sorts of Sea-shells, and stately Plumes of Feathers of inestimable value.
Thousands of Sheep differing in colour serv’d for Offerings: moreover, the Chief Priest sacrific’d a Child before the Image ofViracocha, on whom with great Reverence he cry’d,O great GodViracocha,we Offer you this Child, that you may keep our Realm in Peace, aid us in time of War, prosper ourIngain all his Undertakings, make him more powerful and greater than any of his Predecessors, and grant him wisdom to Govern this vast Countrey.
Their exact Form of Government.
No People in the World can be more respective, and shew greater Reverence to their Kings, than thePeruvians: for there were never any heard of in this Countrey that ever Rebell’d against their Prince; the reason of which was chiefly, because they always Govern’d with great Justice and Mildness, placing Governors over the respective Countreys and Provinces, according to their several Divisions, greater or lesser, with subordinate Power one under another, so that they Rul’d with great strictness, punishing with Death both Drunkenness and Theft. Moreover, theIngasobserv’d a prudent way in Government,viz.They kept their Subjects continually employ’d: The ordinary sort of Persons of subdu’d Provinces were sent to remote Countreys, and the Governors thereof kept at the Court inCusco; and Princes Descended of the Royal Blood sent in their Places to Govern the new gotten Dominions: they divided the Inhabitants into Companies, plac’d one to Command over ten, another over a hundred, and a greater Officer over a thousand, and at last aPrefector Major-General, over ten thousand; every one of which Officers were to bring in an Account every Week to the supream Governor, who was always of theInga’s Family, what Men dy’d of their number, or how many were born, a present Estimate of every ones Stock, in Cattel or otherwise, and all remarkable Transactions that hapned. On the high Feast-day they were all to appear at Court, and to bring in the Revenues gather’d out of their Substitute Countreys. The main Division of the Countrey was into four grand Provinces, call’dTahucantinsuyos, according to the four Ways that went fromCuscothrough the whole Realm,viz.Chinchasuyotowards the North,Coclasuyotowards the South,Andesuyotowards the East, andCondesuyotowards the West. The Collectors were divided intoHanansayos, Upper-Collectors, andUrinsayos, or Under-Collectors. TheQuipocomayos, or Accomptants, could cast up exactly with Buttons, not onely what every Province, but also what each Man was to pay, and that according to the ability of the Countrey and Person.
Their stately Structures.
Many were the stately Temples, invincible Castles, magnificent Palaces, and other wonderful Structures built by theIngas, the chiefest whereof stood inCusco,Tiaguanaco, andTambo; the Builders whereof were sent for by turns out of the adjacent Countreys, from which they brought exceeding great Stones, most of them thirty eight Foot long, eighteen broad, and six thick, which were so neatly joyn’d together with Mortar or Iron-work, that a whole Edifice seem’d to be one entire Stone. Their Bridges that led cross the Rivers were made of Flags and Rushes, fastned to each Shore with great Ropes. The like Bridge lay cross the deep Mouth of the LakeChicuito, on which great Bundles of the RushesTotobeing ty’d together, and cover’d with Straw, so strengthen’d the Bridge, that great Loads were safely carried over the same.
The great Riches of theIngas.
No Prince ever possess’d so much Riches and Splendor as anIngaofPeru, each Countrey presenting him with what was most esteem’d amongst them; theChichesbringing Sweet-woods; theLucanas, strong Sedan-Carriers; theChumbibilcas, brave Dancers; and so accordingly every Countrey provided him with what they best esteem’d, besides the usual Tributes which they paid.
Those which digg’d the Gold and Silver out of the Mines, had Meat, Drink,and Clothing from theInga, though at other times he enjoy’d the Labors of his Subjects for nothing.
Their several sorts of Tribute from conquer’d Countreys.
When at any time he conquer’d a Countrey by force of Arms, he made them pay from three several sorts of Tribute; the first was bestow’d in religious Offices. EachGuacaor Chappel receiv’d also a Revenue from the late conquer’d Countreys, the Fruit of which serv’d for Offerings to their chief GodPachayachachu, the Sun, their ThundererChuquilla, and to the Souls of the Deceased, and for Food for the Priests. The Religion through the whole Realm agreed with that which was observ’d inCusco. But the second Tribute fell to theInga’s Family, or Relation and Soldiers. Those who Till’d theInga’s Ground, Sung before him in Festival Clothes. That which could not be spent in the Court was laid up in Store-houses for ten years together, against a scarcity should happen. Aged People, Widows, and such as were decrepid, paid no Tribute. The third part was for the Poor, which had every Year a piece of Ground allow’d them to make use of as they pleas’d. In unfruitful Years they receiv’d an Allowance out of the Store-houses before mention’d.
Their Provision for the Poor.
So likewise the Pasture, Meadows, and Arable Land was order’d for three several Uses, one third for religious Uses, a second for theInga’s, and the last for the Poor. The Sheep being shorn on a certain Day, yielded the Poor a certain quantity of Wooll to make them Clothes. As soon as any Beast grew Mangy (which thePeruvianscall’dCarache) they burnt them alive, so to prevent the spreading of it farther. Those that belong’d to theInga’s Family, wore all Clothes made of the finest Wooll, and the coursest, call’dTabasca, was distributed among the Vulgar.
Their Industry.
Besides this good Order of Government, it is wonderful to observe thePeruviansmanner of Living, each learning from their Infancy not onely a Trade, but all things which they accounted necessary in House-keeping, as Weaving, Tilling of Land, building of Houses, and making of Tools requisite for both; so that they never made use of one another on any Account. Moreover, Master Artists, who work’d more for Pleasure than Gain, dwelt apart, being Silver-smiths, Painters, Musicians, and Dancers.
Their Habits.
Their Habits were heretofore of one fashion through the whole Realm, onely the Covering of their Heads were several, by which the People of one Countrey were distinguish’d from the other, according to an inviolable Law made many Ages since; some therefore wore thin Caps, others broad Pleits, others little Hats, others round Bonnets, others woven Caps, and the like.
Their Post-Stages.
Their Post-Stages, call’dChasquis, were little Houses, each standing a League and a half from one another, wherein dwelt certain Officers, who with extraordinary speed convey’d theInga’s Letters from oneChasquisto the other; after which manner in two days time they convey’d a Letter a hundred Leagues. But since theSpaniardsconquer’d this Countrey, that Convenience was lost, till the tenthPeruvianVice-RoyMartin Enriquesre-establish’d the same; for he allow’d a Sallary to those Posts, that they might with speed convey all Letters and Packets from one to the other, being distant, according to his Establishment, four Leagues.
Their severe Laws against Malefactors.
Lastly, theIngasmaintain’d strict Laws in criminal Affairs; for as they did not neglect to encourage noble Atchievements (for whoe’re had done a valiant Act in the Wars, was made Governor of a Countrey, or had a certain quantity of Land given him, or Married one of theInga’s Family;) so likewise they severely punish’d all Malefactors: for Murderers, Thieves, and Adulterers suffer’d Death without Mercy; yet they allow’d store of Concubines, and it was free for any one to Lie with his Neighbor’s Concubine, but Death to have to do with any Man’s lawful Wife, who were serv’d by the Concubines.
Their Marriages.
When a Bridegroom Betrothed himself to his Bride, he gave her (and put them on himself) a pair of Shoes call’dAjota, not unlike those of a grey Fryer, which were lin’d with Cotton if she were a Maid, but with Leaves if a Widow, who nevertheless being generally younger than the Man, was to Mourn a whole year in Black for her deceased Husband; till the expiration of which time she was not to Marry another. Governors of Provinces and other Officers of State receiv’d their Wives from theIngas, who enquiring out the beautifullest and most accomplish’d Virgins they could hear of, put theAjotaon their Feet, and gave them to such Persons as they most fancied; after which if they committed Adultery they were certainly put to death. The Marrying of Brothers and Sisters was also forbid, till the IngaTopa Yupangui, Father toGuaynacavabroke that Law, by Marrying his own SisterMamoello, and made an Order that theIngasonely should have that liberty; nay, when he lay on his Death-bed, he strictly charg’d his SonGuaynacavato take his own SisterGoya Cuissilmayto Wife; and this incestuous Marriage produc’dHuascarandAttabaliba, (though some sayAttabalibawas begotten on a Concubine) in whose time thePeruvianKingdom went to ruine.Guaynacavaalso permitted the common People to Marry their Sisters of the Fathers side, but not of the Mothers.
Their manner of living.
ThePeruvianHouses were antiently for the most part light and small; and for their Table they made but little preparation, satisfying themselves with a little Beer made of Rice, Bread bak’d ofMaiz, dry’d Flesh, Fish, and Roots.
In their Wars they us’d Slings, Darts, Arrows, Lances, Pikes, Halberds, Pole-Axes, and Shields.
Their Funerals.
Their Funerals were also solemnly kept, especially those of Persons of Quality, the Corps was carried out on a brave Chair, from which he was put into the Ground, with two of his Concubines whom he best affected, and also three Servants, Gold and Silver Vessels,Maiz, and the LiquorChica, which the nearest Relation spurted into his Mouth through a Cane; all which they did that the Deceased might make use thereof in the other World. But before the Funeral the Relations Mourn’d over the Corps several days, and after the Body was Interr’d, they plac’d the Picture of the Deceased upon the Grave: but the meaner sort of People had the Tools belonging to their Trade; and Soldiers their Arms plac’d on the same.
Their Religion.
In their Religion they had various Fancies; their prime GodViracochabore several Denominations, and amongst others he was call’dPacachame, orPachayachachick, by which he was signifi’d to be the Creator of Heaven and Earth; as alsoUsapu, that is,Wonderful. In honor to thisPacachamastood formerly a magnificent Temple about four Leagues fromLima, where the Ruines still manifest its former glory, it being the Place where the Devil answer’d the Priests, who stood with their Backs towards the Image ofPacochame, bowing their Heads to the Ground, and showing many antick Tricks. The second Temple stood nearCusco, in which theInga’s had plac’d the Images of all the Gods and Goddesses that were worshipp’d inPeru; and before each Image stood an Altar: the chiefest of them, call’dPuachao, consisting of massie Gold, was Dedicated to the Sun, on whose Forehead the Sun was Engraven on a Plate, which afterwards fell into the Hands of theSpanishCaptainMancius Sierra de Lequizamo; but because he lost the same one Night at Gaming, this Proverb was rais’d upon it,Lequizamo lost the Sun before it rose, because he got the Plate on which the Sun was Engraven in the Afternoon, and lost the same in the Night: The Temple it self, built of great Stones, curiously joyn’d together inMosaickWork, and within link’d with Golden Plates of a Finger thick, stood full of Golden Chappels and Altars; round about it were several Galleries, into whichthe Priests and Priestesses Chambers open’d. Near the RiverTiciquaquea third Temple, Consecrated to the Sun.
The various Idolatry of thePeruvians.
This kind of Idolatry was common to thePeruvians, with several other Nations of the antientHeathens, as hath been before observ’d, which made them mock at theSpaniardswhen they told them of a Crucifi’dSaviour, saying they had a splendid God, who appear’d to them in glory every Morning. In the third Temple near the RiverTaciquaqueinPeru, which exceeded the other two, they worshipp’d Thunder by the Name ofChuquilla,Catuilla, andIntillapa, which thePeruviansbeliev’d to be a Man that Commanded the Air, and who being Arm’d with a Club and Sling, throws down Rain, Hail, and Snow from the Clouds, and shooting Bullets through the lower Region, causes Thunder and Lightning: They worshipp’d him after the same manner as they didViracochaand the Sun, with holding up of a thing like a Glove, and sometimes Offering, especially inCusco, living Children: Also they ador’d the Earth of which they made the GoddessBathamama; alsoMamacocha, the God of the Sea. The Rainbowe, which theIngascarried between two Serpents for their Arms, was also religiously worshipp’d. Amongst the Stars they imagin’dColca, by us call’dAries, or theRam, as chief; yet held several others of peculiar Denomination, in veneration, of which they crav’d such things as they wanted. The Shepherds ador’d the StarNereuchillaorCapricorn, whom they judge to Rule over the Beasts. Others worshipp’dMachacuaywhich theEuropeanAstronomers call theSerpent, as commanding Serpents and Dragons, that they might receive no hurt from them. Tygers, Lyons, and Bears, were Rul’d by the StarChuquichinchag; wherefore those who would walk free from those ravenous Beasts, lifted up folded Hands to the Constellations representing the same. They believ’d that there was no Creature living on Earth, whole Likeness the Heavens could not afford; and that those which were on Earth were under the influence of those in Heaven: from hence proceeded the Names of the StarsChacana,Topatatca,Mamana,Mirma, and others. They likewise attributed a kind of Divinity to Fountains, Rivers, Rocks, Mountains, some kinds of Herbs, Roots, and especially thePapas,of a strange shape, and had a veneration for all manner of Creatures that were of an unusual form. When they travel’d they strew’d Shoes, Plumes of Feathers, andCocoain all cross Ways and tops of Hills, by them call’dApachitas; and if they want the fore-mention’d things, then they throw a Stone for an Offering, from whence it proceeds, that in all cross Ways, and on the tops of Hills, lie heaps of Stones, which are accounted holy.
The like fond veneration of Stones theSaracensare said antiently to have had, upon a Tradition, ThatAbrahamhad enjoy’dAgarupon a Stone, and that according toEuthymiusandLibanius, he ty’d his Cammel to a Stone when he went to Offer his SonIsaac.
The Images of their deceasedIngas, which they call’dGuaoiqui, were had in great honor, and carried with them to the Wars, and up and down in Processionings, and call’d upon for fruitful Seasons.
ThePeruviansbeliev’d the Immortality of the Soul.
The Immortality of the Soul, the giving of Punishments to the Wicked, and of Rewards to those that do well, was generally believ’d amongst thePeruvians, but not the Resurrection of the Dead. Many suffer’d themselves to be buried with their Friends, that they might accompany them to the other World. When the IngaGuaynacavawas buried, above a thousand of his Courtiers Sung several Songs, kept a great Feast, and went with great joy to be buried with him, that so they might serve their King on the other side of the Mountains. They Offer’d likewise a great number of Children, and with their Blood cross’d their Faces from one Ear to another: But this barbarous Offering was never us’d but at the Death of prime Persons of Quality; for the meaner sort of People set onely Meat on the Graves, and gave the Dead two Sutes of Apparel, put Money in their Mouthes and Hands; for they believ’d that the Souls ranging up and down from place to place, suffer’d many inconveniences.
Their Oracle.
Their Nunneries.
Their Offerings.
ThePeruvianImages consisted generally of Gold, Silver, Stone, or Wood, all of them strangely deform’d: Some of them were said to give Responces like the Oracle atDelphosandDodona, chiefly in the TemplePacachama, whose greatness is sufficiently manifest by the Ruines of its Walls beyondLima, whereFranciscus Pizarrusgot an invaluable Treasure. EachPeruvianProvince had a Temple, besides which, in the Cities, Villages, and Hamlets, were Chappels of Ease, into which the Priests went at Night with their Backs towards the Idol, bended Heads and Bodies; in which posture they requested to know future Events, and were many times answer’d (if we may believe their Reports) in a terrible Voice. The great Temple atCusco, wherein theIngashad plac’d all thePeruvianIdols, is now turn’d into aDominicanCloyster. In each Province ofPeruwas also a Nunnery (if we may so term it) or Habitation of devoted Virgins, call’dAllaguau, i.e.A House of the Choicest, over which Was plac’d a Governor nam’dAppopanaca, to whom none durst deny their Daughters; some of which were styl’dWives of the Sun, and others Servant-Maids to the same: The Wives Cloth’d in Embroyder’d Coats, adorn’d the Temple, whilest the Maids kept clean the Walls and Floor. When they attain’d to fourteen Years of Age, some were chosen out from the rest, and oblig’d to perpetual Virginity and solitude of Life in their Chappels; which sacred Obligation if they broke by suffering any to Lie with them, they were buried alive after the manner of the Vestal Virgins, the Ceremony whereof is related byPlutarch: Others were oblig’d to make daily Offerings; others to make peculiar Sacrifices for theInga’s Health, and happy Events in War; many also were employ’d in the Court Service to wait upon theInga’s Wife or Concubines; and those being absolv’d from their Vow, were oft-times Married to Courtiers. These Nunneries were Endow’d with great Revenuesfrom theChacaras, or Church-Lands. Their Offerings were (for sometimes they Offer’d to their Idols the highly esteem’d HerbCocoa,Maiz, several colour’d Plumes, Sea-Monsters, Gold and Silver Images of Beasts, fine Clothes call’dCumbi, Sweet-wood, and Tallow to burn) either to have success in their Journeys, Trades, or for the preservation of Health, or to obtain a plentiful Harvest. But their usual Offerings wereCuces, a sort of Toads, which were eaten by thePeruvians. When they were to do any Business of consequence, then Persons of Quality kill’d their SheepPacos, not without strange observation of the colour and number of them, as also of the time; all which things well consider’d, they cook the Sheep and laid it cross their right Arm, turn’d the Face thereof towards the Sun, and mutter’d several words to themselves according to the colour; for if it was spotted grey, they spoke toChuquilla, or Thunder; if white and short Fleec’d, to the Sun; if well Fleec’d, toViracocha. InCuscothey Offer’d daily a short-fleec’d Sheep to the Sun in this manner: Making a great Fire call’dVibbacaronca, the Priests threw the Sheep and four Baskets ofCocoainto it. Their SacrificesCozocoviccaandSapovicca, to obtain Conquests, were also very strange: for they gather’d out ofPuna(which is a desolate place) several sorts of Brambles and Bushes nam’dGanilli, which being all set on fire, they went about the Fire with round Stones in their Hands, on which were painted Serpents, Lyons, Toads, and Tygers, crying,Usachum, grant us Conquest, together with this Prayer,Destroy, O Creator, the power of our Enemies Gods; which said, several starv’d Sheep were brought out, which for that reason they call’dUrca; whose Hearts having torn out they began their Prayers afresh, saying,MightyViracocha,thus do thou pull out the Hearts of our Enemies. For the prosperity of theIngasthey kill’d in an open Field black Dogs, by them call’dAppurucos, whose Flesh was eaten with many Ceremonies by People appointed for that purpose. They made Offerings also to the Fountains, Rivers, Brooks, and Sea-shells, under pretence that those Shells were Daughters of the Ocean, and the Ocean the Father of Streams and Springs; when they had Sow’n their Fields, their Priests, chose to that Office, went from House to House to gather such Offerings as every one was pleas’d to give; which they laid at the Banks of several Sluces, at the time when the Water began to rise there, thinking by that Oblation to keep them from over-flowing their Lands, and washing away their Seed. In all places where two Rivers joyn’d together they wash’d themselves, having first bedaub’d themselves all over with stamp’dMaiz, and afterwards look’d upon themselves as well purg’d from Sin; which power they ascrib’d to their Baths. To strangle Children between four and ten years of Age was never us’d, unless upon theInga’s being sick, or when he receiv’d the Royal Tassel, that from the death of the Children he might receive Health, or Reign prosperously. The fore-mention’d Nuns that were chose to attend on the King’s, were also strangled when theIngawas sick; nay, sometimes a Father would Offer his Son toViracocha, on the Sun-Priest’s suggestion, That by his Son’s death he would recover from his Sickness, Praying to the foremention’d Deity, that they would be pleas’d to save the sick Father, because the Son had with his Death paid for his Fathers.
This kind of Cruelty the Devil seem’d to prompt theHeathensto, by making use ofAbraham’s Example, who prepar’d his SonIsaacfor a Sacrifice on MountMoria; and that it was a Practice amongst the antientAmmonitesandMoabites, and otherHeathens(by which even the Children ofIsraelwere apt to be seduc’d) appears from the Scripture it self: the Ceremonies of which bruitish Customs, with the seven Brazen Chambers ofMoloch, may be seen describ’d byRabbi Solomon.