It’s taken me a bit of time to get into it, but I’ve really been enjoying Garcilaso de la Vega’s Royal Commentaries of the Incas and General History of Peru. Specifically I am interested in learning about the complexities of Incan society and its dramatic transformation under Spanish colonization. As a Mestizo, Garcilaso is able to offer a unique perspective, bridging two vastly different worlds. What has really stood out to me are the similarities and distinctions in the practices and beliefs and the consequences that result from said differences.
One of the most striking parallels between the Spanish and Incan societies is their hierarchical power structures. Both civilizations placed divine power at the top of their social hierarchies. In the Incan Empire, the Sapa Inca was revered as a living god, directly descended from the sun god Inti. This divine status afforded the Sapa Inca absolute authority over his subjects, creating a society where power flowed from a single, sacred source.
In contrast, the Spanish monarchy was characterized by a more symbolic divine association. The Spanish King ruled by the grace of God and was seen as God’s representative on Earth, but unlike the Sapa Inca, he was not considered a deity himself. The Pope, as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, held significant influence but similarly did not claim divine status. This difference in divine embodiment underscores a fundamental divergence in how each society viewed their rulers and their connection to the divine.
Another profound difference lies in their respective cultural and economic values. The Incas’ reverence for nature was central to their worship and societal organization. They venerated the Sun (Inti) and the Earth (Pachamama), which guided their agricultural practices and fostered a culture of sustainability. The Incas’ worship practices were intrinsically linked to the land, promoting a harmonious relationship with their environment. This reverence for natural elements ensured that their agricultural and societal practices were sustainable and balanced with nature.
On the other hand, Spanish colonialism was driven by a quest for commodities such as gold and jewels. These treasures were symbols of wealth and power in Europe and were eagerly sought after during the colonization of the Americas. This quest likely contributed to the rise of a consumer capitalist society, where value was placed on material wealth and accumulation rather than sustainability. The Spanish focus on extracting resources from their colonies often led to exploitative practices that disregarded the well-being of indigenous populations and the environment.
A question that I have is, which practices are better? It seems that the Incas ensured everyone was cared for, promoting a balanced society that thrived in harmony with nature. However, the Spanish, driven by a desire for wealth, exploited the Incas’ trusting nature and communal focus. This exploitation allowed the Spanish to dominate and extract resources, highlighting the tragic vulnerability of a society that prioritized collective welfare over individual gain. Thus, while Incan practices fostered a sustainable and inclusive community, they were ultimately undermined by the more aggressive, materialistic approach of the Spanish.
3 replies on “Garcilaso de la Vega: Spanish vs. Incan”
Hi Andree! Sounds like you got a lot out of the text so that is amazing! I appreciate how you outlined the parallels between the society of the Incans and the Spanish. Regarding your question, it would depend on how we are defining the term “better” and what perspective we are advocating for. While I empathize with the Incan way of living, the Spanish had their own agenda which they fulfilled to an extent. I do enjoy learning about how other civilizations conducted themselves though as it is refreshing to hear about how communally minded Incans were. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Andree, I appreciate your commentary on the parallels and differences between the Inca social structures and the Spanish Catholic one. When I wrote about this reading, I talked about how similar the Inca and Catholic creation stories were in themes and motifs. It’s interesting that with such similar origin stories, the implementation of social hierarchy was so different! I wonder why that is
“Thus, while Incan practices fostered a sustainable and inclusive community, they were ultimately undermined by the more aggressive, materialistic approach of the Spanish.” The most terrible thing is that during the republican period, that is, after Independence from Spain, exploitation did not stop but rather became more suffocating. Local political complexities were also influenced by the demands of geopolitics and great powers. Inca Garcilaso would not have recognized what happened in his homeland if he had returned years later. His effort to bridge two visions of the world to obtain something different, something better, remained on paper. It is unfortunate.