Stable isotope and DNA evidence for ritual sequences in Inca child sacrifice

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Genetics
• Isotope analysis

Background:

• The Inca Empire practiced ritual sacrifice, known as capacocha, involving children.
• Spanish historical accounts provide limited details on the selection and preparation of victims.

Observation:

• Four frozen child mummies were discovered on high Andean peaks.
• Hair samples from the mummies were analyzed using genetic and isotopic techniques.

Findings:

• The study reconstructed individual identities, diets, and social backgrounds of the sacrificed children.
• Evidence suggests a multi-stage process of victim selection, social elevation, and preparation for high-altitude pilgrimage.
• Genetic and isotopic data offer direct insights into the capacocha rite, complementing and contrasting with historical records.

Implications:

• This research provides unprecedented direct evidence of the preparatory stages of Inca ritual killing.
• The findings enhance our understanding of Inca social structures, belief systems, and the human element of the capacocha rite.
• It highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology for reconstructing past human practices.