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136 was then shorn, the eldest uncle cutting the first hair. At the Huarachicu the youth dropped his child name, and received another name to last for his life. Girls, when they were of age, had to undergo a ceremony called Quicuchica. They had to fast for three days, and on the fourth they were washed and clothed in a dress called Ancalluasu, with shoes of white wool. Their hair was plaited and a sort of bag was placed on their heads. The relations then came, and gave the girl the name she was to bear for the rest of her life. They presented gifts, but there were no idolatrous practices.

In all this we see how the family rites, and the festivals coming round with the months, were woven into the lives of the people; and, at least at Cuzco, the central figure of the sovereign Inca rose above it all, constantly seen as the chief person in all that concerned them.

During the palmy days of the empire the festivals were observed in each province, though, of course, with less magnificence, under the auspices of the Viceroys and Curacas.