Qhapaq hucha

Qhapaq hucha (Quechua qhapaq noble, principal, mighty, royal, hucha crime, sin, guilt, hispanicized spellings Capac cocha, Capaccocha, Capacocha, also qhapaq ucha) was an important sacrificial rite among the Inca that typically involved the sacrifice of children. The phrase qhapaq hucha has also been translated to mean “solemn sacrifice” or “royal obligation.” The rationale for this type of sacrificial rite has typically been understood as the Inca trying to ensure that humanity's best were sent to join their deities. Qhapaq hucha ceremonies took place under several circumstances. Some were undertaken as the result of key events in the life of the Sapa Inca, the Inca Emperor, such as illness, his death, his succession to the throne, or the birth of a son. At other times, qhapaq hucha ceremonies were undertaken to stop natural disasters or were performed during major festivals at important ceremonial sites.