Cusi Huarcay facts for kids
Cusi Huarcay (born 1531, died 1586) was an important Inca princess. She became a queen by marrying her brother, the Inca ruler Sayri Túpac (who ruled from 1545 to 1561). Her parents were Manco Inca Yupanqui and Cura Ocllo. Cusi Huarcay was also the mother of Beatriz Clara Coya.
Life as an Inca Queen
Cusi Huarcay is first mentioned in history in 1556. At this time, she traveled with her husband, Sayri Túpac, from Vilcabamba to areas controlled by the Spanish. People at the time, like the writer Garcilaso de la Vega, said she was very beautiful.
Like her husband, Cusi Huarcay decided to become a Catholic. She was baptized with Alonso de Hinojos as her godfather. In 1558, after getting special permission from the Pope, she married her brother Sayri Túpac again in a Catholic ceremony. This wedding took place in the cathedral in Cuzco and was led by the Bishop of Cuzco, Juan Solano. After their wedding, the couple made their home in Yucay.
Challenges and New Beginnings
In 1561, Cusi Huarcay became a widow when Sayri Túpac passed away. Their daughter inherited all of Sayri Túpac's wealth. Spanish officials were put in charge of managing this money for the daughter. Her daughter was sent to live and be raised in a convent.
Cusi Huarcay, however, was left without her own money. Even though Sayri Túpac had set aside an allowance for her from his daughter's fortune, she did not receive it easily. She had to go to court to get the money she was owed. Despite these difficulties, she continued to meet with people from Vilcabamba, playing an important role.
In 1564, Cusi Huarcay lived with Arias Maldonado. She was able to get her daughter, Beatriz, released from the convent. Cusi Huarcay then arranged for her daughter to marry Cristóbal Maldonado, who was related to Arias Maldonado. However, the governor, Lope García de Castro, did not approve. He sent the Maldonados away to Spain, and Beatriz had to return to the convent.
Later, Cusi Huarcay married again, this time to a soldier named Juan Fernández Coronel. She asked for permission to go back to Vilcabamba. She even offered to share information about where silver and gold mines were located. However, she was never allowed to return.
See also
In Spanish: Cusi Huarcay para niños
