the Peruvians discovered some kind of distilling process, and made a spirit called uinapu or sora.[1] Drinking to excess prevailed at all the festivals, while the man who drank much and kept his head was held in high esteem. This prevalence of drunkenness at the festivals led to other vices, and was the most pernicious habit they indulged in.
Ayamarca,[2] the sixth month, from November 22 to December 22, ended with the summer solstice, and had a sign on the breastplate similar to the month of the winter solstice. The name is that of a once powerful tribe near Cuzco, which held their Huarachicu festival in this month.[3] In Cuzco it was a time of preparation for the great Huarachicu festival in the following month. Quantities of chicha continued to be brewed after the Cantaray[4] fashion, whatever that may have been. The youths who were to receive their arms in the next month, went to the very sacred huaca called Huanacauri to offer sacrifices and ask his permission to receive knighthood. This huaca was on a hill about three miles from
- ↑ From uinani, I fill. Garcilasso also mentions the strong drink called uinapu (i. 277, iii. 61), and both Garcilasso and Acosta mention Sora.
- ↑ All agree, except Betanzos and Fernandez, who have Cantaray.
- ↑ As Aya means death, several authorities thought Ayamarca was a festival in honour of the deceased; but I think that Molina should be followed here, who gives the derivation as in the text. The termination Marca shows that the word was the name of a place.
- ↑ Betanzos and Fernandez give Cantaray as the name of the month.
