Chasqui, also spelled chaski, were the official messengers of the Inca Empire. Well-trained men, true runners who had come to play an essential role in the communications network that spanned the empire’s vast territories. The term “chasqui” is derived from the Quechua word “chaski”, which translates as “one who exchanges”. This reflects their primary function of transmitting messages and information over long distances.
The Chasquis were responsible for transporting oral messages, small packages, and even gifts between different locations in the empire. They operated along an extensive road system known as the Qhapaq Ñan, which was approximately 40,000 kilometers long. The network allowed communication and rapid transportation of goods across different terrains, including mountains and valleys.
To facilitate their work, relay stations called chaskiwasi (chasqui houses) were set up at intervals of about 2.5 kilometers, where the chasquis exchanged messages with the new runners who were waiting for them. This relay system allowed messengers to cover impressive distances – up to 300 kilometers in a single day under optimal conditions. At the chaskiwasi stations, groups of four to six young chaskiwas waited to take over the baton from their predecessors. The next runner announced his arrival by shouting and playing a trumpet made of shells, signaling the next runner to prepare to deliver the message.
Chasquis were usually young men selected for their agility, fitness and speed. They were subjected to rigorous training to ensure they could maintain high speeds over difficult terrain without tiring quickly. Each runner was easily identified by the white feather parasol worn on his head and the trumpet made of seashells that signaled the arrival of the courier at the relay stations.
In addition to physical qualities, the Chasquis needed an excellent memory to accurately convey messages received verbally, since the Inca civilization did not have a written language. Each chasqui repeated the message several times until it was perfectly understood by the next runner. This meticulous process ensures that messages are transmitted correctly, without loss or distortion.
They also had to have a knowledge of geography to effectively navigate the complex landscape of the Andes.
In times of crisis—such as invasions or revolts—the Incas used visual signals, such as campfires at night or columns of smoke during the day, to quickly communicate urgent news. This method allowed for immediate alerts that could reach distant parts of the empire within hours.
The creation of the chasqui system is attributed to Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (1418 – 1471) – Inca emperor (1438-71), considered an empire builder because he initiated the rapid and extensive expansion of the Inca state. He recognized the need for effective communication as he significantly expanded his empire during his 15th century reign. The system became integral not only to military coordination but also to administrative governance throughout the Tawantinsuyu (Inca Empire).
The Chasquis played an essential role in maintaining communication across the vast territory of the Inca Empire, which spanned nearly 2 million square kilometers. Their work facilitated not only administrative functions, but also military coordination and trade between various regions inhabited by millions of people.
It is also important to mention the fact that a full-fledged system of roads was built inside the empire, which stretched from Colombia to Chile. And according to historical writings, it was not only the longest road system in the 1500s, but also the best organized.
“The Incas extended the roads of earlier indigenous cultures and turned them into the complex and sophisticated system we know today as the Great Inca Road. The Inka Road connected the four suyus, or regions, of the empire. As the empire expanded, the road provided security, goods, and services to the people, who in turn provided the empire with the labor it needed. This reciprocity, a core value of the Andean people, is known as ayni. Ayni, or the act of giving back, was also practiced by way of a kind of taxation of the people by asking them to build roads, buildings, make textiles and pottery, and also engage in agriculture . And for their services to the state, they received access to a wide range of goods, such as food and raw materials. The road was used only for the official interests of the state. Runners, or chaskis, who carried official messages; llama caravans carrying corn, potatoes and cotton; soldiers on military missions and even the ruler – all traveled the Inca Trail”. (americanindian.si.edu)
In contemporary times, some descendants of these ancient messengers continue to honor their heritage by running long distances along traditional routes like those used by their ancestors.
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Source: www.descopera.ro
