Mama Ocllo
In Inca mythology, Mama Ocllo, or more precisely Mama Uqllu, was deified as a mother and fertility goddess. In one legend she was a daughter of Inti and Mama Killa, and in another the daughter of Viracocha (Wiraqucha) and Mama Qucha. In all of them she was the older sister and wife of Manco Cápac (Manqu Qhapaq),: 28–36 whom she established the city of Cusco with. In some variations, she also had a son with him, Sinchi Roca, though all Incan rulers after Manco Cápac were believed to be their descendants.
| Mama Ocllo | |
|---|---|
Motherhood and Fertility | |
Mama Ocllo, anonymous oil on canvas painting from Peru, circa 1840, San Antonio Museum of Art. | |
| Other names | Mama Cora Ocllo, Mama Ogllo, Mama Oello, Mama Oella, Mama Oullo, Mama Occlo, Mama Okllo or Mama Uqllu. |
| Personal information | |
| Parents | Inti and Mama Killa or Viracocha and Mama Qucha |
| Siblings | Ayar Uchu, Ayar Cachi, Ayar Anca, Manco Cápac, Mama Huaco, Mama Ipacura, and Mama Raua |
| Consort | Manco Cápac |
| Offspring | Sinchi Roca |
According to most stories, Mama Occlo and Manco Cápac were sent by Inti to help the Inca by expanding their knowledge after he saw how poorly they were living. After their creation, most legends state they began journeying to find the perfect location to begin their task, and would know when they found it when the golden rod Inti had given both his children sunk into the ground. Once the rod had sunk, they began educating the Inca people; together they taught the people to better construct homes; Mama Ocllo taught the Inca women the art of spinning thread, sewing, and household duties.