equivocal and of two minds. We know little about how aclla experienced their
changed status; but male voices have entered the record. Some provincial
authorities called the forced resettlement of women a detested form of tribute,
the personification of their loss of political autonomy. For others, however,
giving an aclla-daughter to the Inca was a means to ensure favor and privilege.
And those provincial leaders who welcomed Inca rule and willingly entered into
an alliance with Cuzco also readily gave daughters to the Inca regime, believing
it an honor.
Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala’s drawing of
an acllahuasi, house of the acllacuna, or
chosen women. The aclla spun yarn, wove
fine cloth, and brewed maize beer for the
rulers and the state religion. Guaman Poma
de Ayala, Felipe. El primer nueva corónica y
buen gobierno. Edited by John V. Murra and
Rolena Adorno, 273/298. Mexico City: Siglo
Veintiuno, 1980 [1615].