Chakaruraqkuna, Chasquis and Kachiqipiqkuna: Llaqtakunapa Yachaynin in the Service of the Spanish Empire (Huamanga, 17th century)

Abstract

stract: This article studies the continuity of pre-Hispanic activities during the Spanish administration in 17th century Peru. By reviewing documents in the General Archive of the Nation (AGN-Peru) and the Regional Archive of Ayacucho (ARAY), we propose that the pre-Hispanic activities that remained in the service of the Spanish included the work of the chakaruraqkuna, chasquis and kachiqipiqkuna, who through the use of the llaqtakupana yachaynin, learned and spread for generations, were dedicated to the renovation of bridges, the transport of mail and the distribution of salt. The llaqtakunapa yachaynin facilitated and developed the transport, trade, administration and mining activities of the Spaniards.