A woman beats on a large drum as men from
Collasuyu play flutes in this drawing by Felipe
Guaman Poma de Ayala. Guaman Poma de
Ayala, Felipe. El primer nueva corónica y buen
gobierno. Edited by John V. Murra and Rolena
Adorno, 299/324. Mexico City: Siglo Veintiuno,
1980 [1615].The Incas used song and music for many purposes: to record oral history; to
praise the great deeds of living and deceased Inca kings; to commemorate battle
victories; in large gatherings of nobles from around the empire; in initiation
ceremonies of new orejones (young men with newly pierced ears); in
processions carrying statues and figures to huacas for veneration by Incas,
orejones, and accompanying people; to solemnize human and animal sacrifice;
and in calendric events throughout the year for planting, harvesting, purification,
and praises to the creator god, the Sun, and water (especially in the form of rain,
rivers, and lakes).