When it comes the administration of the Inca’s Empire (Tahuantinsuyo
in Quechua), it is necessary to emphasize the operation of a basic principle:
the reciprocity.
The reciprocity
It was common among the peasant communities of the Andean
region, before the arrival of the Incas. It consisted in the practice of
solidarity and mutual help among the members of a community. For example, the
inhabitants of an “ayllu” (a group of families living in the same community),
collaborated with each other to plant and harvest in the subsistence fields. On
the occasion of a marriage, the whole community helped to raise the house of
the newlyweds. The Incas incorporated the principle of reciprocity of the
ayllu, as one of the bases of the economic and social functioning of their
Empire. The reciprocity was based on the increase of family ties. That is, the
multiplication of kinship ties was necessary for the existence and continuity
of reciprocity.
Our present day communities
It is a great satisfaction to be still living under that
rule. As we are often visiting our communities on the hillsides of Lima, we
confirm that a big porcentage of them have a very old administration system
that can be compared with the Incas main rule. Everybody is helping each others
by organising different activities such as: “polladas”, “frejoladas”, “cuyadas”,
etc. (Food sale), All of them based on gathering money in order to help a
family or a person in need. This is how many houses are built and many neighbors
count on medical assistance.
Our NGO
Reciprocity was created based on helping our Andean
communuties living in Lima 7 years ago under the name of a Tour Company (Haku
Tours) which is generating the income that is used for running our social
projects.
Haku Tours & Reciprocity want to thank you all for the
support and happiness you help us to give to our communities with every
donation or tour you take.
Muchas gracias!!! :D
Jean Paul Grillo