There were called the AKLLAKUNA-
Girls were considered to come of age at 14, at which age some were sent to Cuzco for special training to become akllakuna. These were women who devoted their lives to spinning and weaving for the sun and the Inca state. The akllakuna were the only girls who received formal education, they would be taught religious studies as well as weaving. As well as weaving ritual garments, their duties would include serving ritual food for the gods. Photo by inca Mario Testino shoot
Myth has it that Our Mother Moon, taught the first woman how to weave at the beginning of time. Since then, mothers have taught their daughters, from generation to generation uninterruptedly for two thousand years. In addition to its important religious and social aspects, historically weaving has been central to indigenous women’s economic contribution to their households. In a traditional Inca context, when a girl is born, the midwife presents her with the different instruments of weaving one by one and she says, “Well then, little girl” “This will be your hand” “This will be your foot” “Here is your work” “With this, you’ll look for your food” “Don’t take the evil path,” “Don’t steal” “When you grow up” “Only...
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