Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/203

Rh a time, being the single instance of such realisation in the world's history.

The condition of the people under the Incas, though one of tutelage and dependence, at the same time secured a large amount of material comfort and happiness. The inhabitants of the Andean region of Peru and of the southern half of the coast valleys were practically one people. Slightly built, with oval faces, aquiline, but not prominent noses, dark eyes, and straight black hair, the Inca Indian had a well-proportioned figure, well-developed muscular limbs, and was capable of enduring great fatigue. He was very industrious, intelligent, and affectionate among his own relations; at the same time he was fond of festivity, and of indulgence in drinking bouts. The puric, with his family about him, went joyfully to his field work. Idleness was unknown, but labour was enlivened by sowing and harvest songs, while the shepherd-boys played on their pincullu, or flutes, as they tended the flocks on the lofty pastures. Wool was supplied to the people for their clothing, and hides for their usutas, or sandals, and even some luxuries, such as coca, reached them through the continuous ebb and flow of commercial exchanges by the mitimaes. Periodical festivities broke the monotony of work, some of a religious character, others in celebration of family events. The rutu-chicu was a festival when a child attained the age of one year and received a name. Others came round when a