Incan Religious Rites

The next time you're pining for the good old days, or reading about how loathsome the conquistadores were to the peace-loving native Indians:

Recent evidence sheds light on the young boys and girls who were killed during Inca sacrificial ceremonies in the 15th and 16th centuries, evidence that includes pottery and human remains found at South American mountaintop sites.

Although archaeologists do not believe the Inca practiced cannibalism, as did their Aztec neighbors to the north, the evidence does suggest that Inca leaders targeted children to serve as sacrificial "tribute," somewhat similar to money collected for state taxes.

Historical writings indicate that the victims probably were drugged during the ceremonies and did not feel much pain, although killing methods were violent.

"The forensic evidence indicates that some were killed by strangulation, others by a blow with a blunt instrument to the head," she explained. "It's likely they would've been sedated prior to being killed through lots of chicha — corn beer — ingestion."

Ah, compassionate murder. Only those of us living in these post-Terri Schiavo days truly can appreciate this. As for these deaths encompassing a "sacrificial tribute,"I'm reminded of abortion, somewhat; except in our enlightened modern times, babies are sacrificed on the altar of narcissism, to the deity of Self.