Inca Occupation

A significant feature the social classes

controlled was what jobs were available to the
Incas. They are as follows:
Farmer
In the Inca Empire, a plethora of people were
farmers. This occupation was a struggle for most, but
there were jobs that freed you farming such as,
warriors, herders, fishermen, craftsmen, weavers,
sorcerers, and chosen women (Specialized
Professions).
Weavers
Men and women were both weavers, although weaving was traditionally a female occupation
(Incan Women). They wove feathers and wool into fabric so soft that it felt like silk. They still use many
of the unique designs created by the Incas. Even though weavers were commoners, they were respected
(Specialized Professions). Incan weavers used alpaca, llama, vicuna, and cotton as fabrics to compose
together many objects (Inca Arts and Crafts). At the top of this paragraph, is a picture of a design that
Incas weaved.
Craftsmen
According to the article, Inca Arts and Crafts, Incan craftsmen earned high ranks in the Inca
society because of their skill to make well done crafts for help on the sacrificial ceremonies and
amusements. They would construct instruments to produce music for sacrificial ceremonies such as,
flutes and drums. Furthermore, craftsmen were responsible for building every wall in the Inca Empire.
Metal Workers
They made some statues and other decorations for the ruler of the palace. To metal workers,
silver was the metal of the moon, so they used silver and gold in most places. Much of the gold was
pounded into sheets to cover the palace walls. All the tools for eating were constructed by metal
workers (Inca Arts and Crafts).
Chosen Women
Each year a government official would choose the most beautiful ten year old girls, and bring
them to the acllahuasi, the house of the chosen women. The girls were educated under full guard. Each
major town had one of these houses. There was a number of women who served the state and its
religion. The chosen girls could serve as servants to the priests, nobles, and the emperor. The best
looking of the girls were set aside for sacrifices, while others learned trades, like spinning, cooking, or
brewing. The girls that were set aside for sacrifices were thrown off the top of a mountain peak, to
make the gods happy (Incan Women, Specialized Professions).

Sorcerers
Sorcerers were local people of the town that were, most of the time, older than the rest. They
werent priests because they didnt work with religious beliefs, but spirits. In addition, Sorcerers were
said to be able to predict the future, cast spells, and help others overcome hinders in goals. It was said
that if ones loved one was ill, then a sorcerer was able to cure the illness (A day in the Inca life,
Specialized Professions).
Slaves
There werent many slaves in the Incan society, mainly just in the northern areas. Slaves
werent much appreciated in (sic) the Incan civilization, nevertheless they played a huge role in the
flow of the town. The slaves would help mine for gold, copper, silver, stone and clay for the
craftsmen to work with. Furthermore, slaves were essential because they helped with construction and
other needs in the empire (A day in the Incan life).
Emperor
The emperor controlled the economy, religious events, warfare, and almost all the decisions
made in the city. Emperors had assistants that gave him fundamental advice on the choices he was
going to make. The assistants were usually professionals in things, such as farming, hunting, and
religious events (A day in the Incan life).

Guided Study Questions

How do you feel about the slaves that lived and worked in the Inca civilization?
What job do you think best suits you? Why?
Why were chosen women significant to the Incas?