Note 338 — Chapter LXV

Garcilasso de la Vega says that, as they had no domestic fowls in Peru before the Spanish conquest, so there was no word for them, and that hualpa was not originally the name for a fowl, but a corruption of Atahualpa, the name of the usurping Ynca. It seems, however, that domestic fowls were the first things that the Spaniards introduced into Peru; and the Indians, finding some resemblance between the crowing of the cocks and the sound of Atahualpa, gave them that name, which was afterwards corrupted into hualpa. Garcilasso adds, “I confess that many of my schoolfellows at Cuzco, the sons of Spaniards by Indian mothers, and myself amongst them, imitated this sound in the streets, together with the little Indians.”

The names of the Yncas, and those of their wives, have a meaning in the Quichua language; with the exception, however, of Manco, Mayta, and Rocca, which seem to have been borrowed from some other source. Ccapac means “rich, grand, illustrious.” Sinchi signifies “strong.” Lloque is “left-handed.” Yupanqui is “virtuous.” It is the second person singular, future, indicative of Yupani, and means literally, “you will count,” that is—“he who bears this title will count as one who is excellent for his virtue, clemency, and piety.” Yahuar-huaccac signifies “weeping tears:” it was the name of an Ynca whose reign was unfortunate. Huira-ccocha means “foam of a lake,” and Garcilasso gives the legend from which the name is said to have originated. Pacha-cutec means “overturning the world,” a name given to one of the Yncas who was a great reformer. Tupac is anything royal, resplendent, honourable. Huayna means a “youth,” a name given to the great Ynca Huayna Ccapac, possibly from his youthful appearance. Huascar is a “chain,” from the golden chain which was made to celebrate his birth. Cusi is “joy.” Titu is “liberal, magnanimous.” Sayri, a “tobacco plant.” Amaru, a “serpent,” etc.