Aclla

In previous posts I have touched on how historically brewing was a considered a women’s job. This is something that was seen the world over, including in the ancient Inca Empire.  In the Inca religion chosen women, or Aclla, would be bestowed various tasks. One of these was brewing the beer for the Incas.

Officials chose Aclla from, generally, virgin village girls aged between 8-10, although there is archaeological evidence of a male Aclla. Criteria for being chosen were based on their beauty, perfection and talent.

The Aclla were taken from their villages and lived in temples and kept under both the supervision of matrons called Mama Cuna and a vow of chastity, much like nuns in convents. Once in the temple they were not allowed to leave for 6-7 years. The Inca religion and society saw them as ‘Virgins of the Sun’ and were ultimately governed by a high priestess, the Coya Pasca, a noblewoman who was believed to be the earthly consort of the sun god.

On top of being responsible for brewing their duties included preparation of ritual food, the maintenance of a sacred fire, the weaving of garments for the emperor, on occasion serving as companions to the Inca emperor and for ritual use. When I say ritual use I mean that they were used as sacrifice to Cuzco and the Inca Empire. The archaeological evidence of the male Aclla suggested he was a sacrificial victim. Some of the Aclla faced a better fate and became imperial concubines or the wives of nobles.

When the Spanish conquered the Inca in the 16^th century the Aclla numbered in to the thousands, so you can just imagine how much beer they could produce from their temples.