Ceques and Huacas
The path of Collasuyo, which we explore in this issue, encompasses 9 ceques or demarcations and 84 huacas or landmarks; these form a meticulously organized distribution of lands within the Sacred Valley of Qosqo.
If you haven’t read Part 2 of our blog yet, we invite you to read it first and then come back here.
Collasuyo’s Second Ceque
The second ceque of this path was managed by the Ayllu of Haguayni and had eight huacas. The ayllu of Auyni Panaka belonged to the third Inca, Lloque Yupanqui.
Collasuyo: First Huaca
The first huaca, a plain called Limacpampa, hosted the official maize harvest ceremony.
This location corresponds to the current area of Limacpampa Grande, which, during the Inca period, was a busy area as it served as a gateway to Collasuyo and was also close to the Temple of the Sun.
Collasuyo: Second Huaca
The second huaca, known as Raquiancalla, is a small hill near the previous plain, where many idols from all four suyus were located.
A famous festival was held here for 10 days. This huaca is the same as the one venerated in the second ceque of the Path to the Antisuyo, called Vilcacuna. Today, people refer to it as Plaza de Limacpampa Chico.
In this place, builders constructed a high terrace made of small stone levels, which housed numerous niches for the idols. Once a year, these idols would arrive in Qosqo for a grand festival.
Collasuyo: Third Huaca
The third huaca, called Saucero, belonged to the descendants of Paullu Inca.
During the planting season, the Inca himself would go there to plow a bit. The produce from this field was used for sun sacrifices.
On the day the Inca visited, it was a solemn festival for all the lords of Qosqo. Large sacrifices were made here, especially of silver, gold, and children.
This huaca was located above the large Inca terrace that still exists in the Progreso neighborhood, very close to the San Borja urban area.
