Mallku Kapac

History and myth are one in native Andean cultures. Huacas mark the sacred places where the paths of men and gods crossed. They could be kivas or burial sites, springs or mountain passes. These places were revered, so, naturally European conquerors suspected idol worship and sought to destroy them. But it is not so easy to destroy the land. It takes centuries.

Many huacas exist in and around Lake Titicaca. If this were one it would be Mallku Kapac, first man, hewn from the lake stone. The great god Viracocha shaped him, along with Mama Ocllo, bade them be fruitful and multiply, then retreated into the depths.