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Women were a very essential part of Incan society. Their principle role in society was to care for their children; however, they had many other household duties to make their lives after marriage very strenuous. Incan women were typically married between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two. In Incan society, monogamy was not strictly imposed; however, due to economic restrictions men tended to only have one wife. Trial marriages were typical within Incan culture. In this type of marriage, the man and woman would agree to try out being married to one another for a few years. At the end of this time the woman could go home to her parents if she wished, and her husband could also send her home if he didn’t think it would work out. However, once the marriage was made final, they could only divorce if the woman was childless. Women would almost always marry men in the same social class as them. However, while it was very rare for them to marry a man with a higher social ranking, it was still possible for some young women. The only way for a young woman to alter her social ranking would be if a man of higher ranking took notice of her. In the Incan society, a wedding was not a joyous celebration, as it is in many cultures. Instead, it was looked at more as a business-like agreement. Therefore, it is important to note that for the Incans, marriage was an economic agreement between two families. Once a woman was married, she was expected to collect food and cook, watch over the animals and the children, and also make trips to the market 1. A woman’s household obligations would not change after she became pregnant. When she did find out she was pregnant she prayed and made offerings to an Incan god, kanopa. The naming ceremony of a young Incan girl occurred between the ages of five and twelve. This is a very significant tradition for a young girl and her family. Her godfather is chosen at this ceremony, and very specific rituals are performed with the family. After these are performed, they proceed to have a celebration with dancing and other festivities. Most importantly, when the festivities are over the young girl will go and help her mother with household duties. This was the first step in a young girl’s path to becoming a woman.

The next important step in a young Incan girl’s path to becoming a woman is when she reaches the age of puberty. At this time there is great celebration within the family. Her mother will then take her clothes of childhood and give her new clothes, which she will wear throughout her adult life. At this point she is now a young woman in society, and therefore takes on the roles and responsibilities that follow.

Not all women followed this same path; some were chosen at a young age (around eight to ten) to live in a temple, where they would give a vow of chastity. In these temples, the young girls would perform in religious events. Some of these women are sacrificed for religious purposes, and others are married off to noblemen.

Read more at Wikipedia.org