Purpose / Function
Qurikancha is built in perfect alignment with stellar and planetary motion to honor the Sun God: Inti.
Design
Twin Towers
A pair of towers, mark the summer solstice, where astronomical observations are taken from the sacred ushnu stone against man-made and natural landmarks on the horizon to track the sun.Entries
Sun Layout
When seen from the top-down, the building is laid out like the sun with rays shining out in all directions. These are the 41 sacred ceque lines - physical and cosmic roads - that lead to 328 sacred sites throughout Four Corners.Sensory & Appearance
Trapezoid Openings
Trapezoid doorways and windows allow for light to enter the interior spaces with a broad band of gold being added at the mid-way height around the walls to further reflect gold light.Denizens
Priests and Priestesses
Living quarters are available for high priests and noble novices to live at the expense of the celestial bureaucracy.Capacochas
Sacrificial victims are made ready for their moment in the precinct's courtyard and then marched along the ceque lines to be sacrificed in the various provinces in honour of Inti and his living incarnation.Contents & Furnishings
Metal Garden
Everything in the garden is made of gold and silver. A large field of corn and life-size models of herders, llamas, jaguars, guinea pigs, monkeys, birds, butterflies and other insects are all crafted from precious metals and studded in precious jewels.Mummies
The mummified remains of former emperors and their wives (mallquis) are dressed in fine clothes and brought out of storage during special ceremonies such as those celebrating the solstices.Sun Mask
A giant mask with zig-zag rays bursting from the head is hung from the wall of a specially dedicated chamber within the temple.Valuables
Punchaw
A gold statue of the Sun God, as a seated small boy, encrusted with jewels. He wears a royal headband with snakes and lions coming out of his body. The stomach of the statue is hollow and used to store the ashes of the vital organs of previous rulers. This statue is brought into the open air everyday and returned to its shrine each night.Plunder
Art and religious treasuries are stuffed in specifically designed room taken from conquered peoples. These are kept in order to guarantee compliance to Tawantinsuyu rule, just as conquered rulers are sometimes held hostage at Ca-Chisneu for periods of the year.Special Properties
Siq'i Ritual Pathways
Siq'i lines originate at the Qurikancha and travel in relatively straight pathways. Hayaqiago, Giantsfall, the Neverending Forest and Chinkapun encircle Tahuantinsuyo and mark where the roads formal end. The wak'a's location dictates the path of the siq'i line, and hence the road. They are constructed as straight as can be and are normally segmented such that the paths frequently curve or zigzag.Ceque lines mark where the divine winds intersect with the terrain and thus where knottery devices are able to 'turn natural energy' and produce their magical effects.
Architecture
Regular Masonry
The complex's massive walls are built from large stone blocks that were finely cut and fitted together without mortar. Most walls also leaned slightly inwards as they rise in height, giving a form and elegance that is notable for Innoit. The large curved western wall, in particular, gives the impression that it was made using the pillow method.Defenses
Golden Enclosure
A parabolic wall of the finest stonework and covered in gold. It symbolically surrounds the innoit cosmovision via four temples surrounding a central plaza: one dedicated to Inti (the sun), Killa (the moon), Chasca (the stars) and Illapa (thunder). Another plaza extends westward from the complex where a small shrine is dedicated to Viracocha (creation).
Alternative Names
Type
Cathedral / Great temple
Parent Location
Included Locations
Environmental Effects
Qurikancha is built at the tailbone of the Jaguar.
Connected Rooms
Owning Organization
Related Tradition (Primary)
Related Traditions
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