Idacansás facts for kids
| Grouping | cacique |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | xeque |
| Similar creatures | Bochica |
| Mythology | Muisca mythology |
| Other name(s) | Idacansas or Idacanzas |
| Country | Muisca Confederation |
| Region | Altiplano Cundiboyacense Colombia |
| Habitat | Sun Temple, Sugamuxi |
Idacansás, also known as Idacansas or Idacanzas, was a powerful mythical leader in Muisca mythology. He was believed to be the very first priest of the sacred city of Sugamuxi. This city is in present-day Sogamoso, Colombia, and was once part of the lands of the Muisca people. Idacansás was famous for his amazing magical powers. He could make it rain or hail, and even cause or cure sickness.
Contents
The Ancient Muisca World
Before the Spanish explorers arrived, the high lands of central Colombia were home to the Muisca Confederation. This was a group of Muisca communities. Powerful leaders called zaques ruled from Hunza, and zipas ruled from Bacatá.
Other areas, like the lands around Sogamoso, were led by caciques. These were respected leaders, often with religious importance. The stories about Idacansás come from Muisca mythology. They tell about a time before the first known human rulers, like Hunzahúa and Meicuchuca, who began their rule much later, around 1450.
Idacansás: The Sun Priest of Sugamuxi
Cacique Idacansás was a very important priest of the Sun. He shared this role with another mythical figure, Bochica. Idacansás's special place was the Sun Temple in Sugamuxi.
It is said that Sugamuxi was unique. It was the only place where the cacicazgo (the area ruled by a cacique) had a system of democracy. This meant the leader was chosen by the people. A Spanish writer from the 1600s, Lucas Fernández de Piedrahita, wrote about this. He said the cacique of Sugamuxi was chosen by people from nearby towns like Firavitoba and Tobasía. The caciques from Gámeza, Busbanzá, Pesca, and Toca helped organize this election. If there were disagreements, the cacique of Tundama would step in to help.
Sugamuxi: A Sacred Center
The cacique of Sugamuxi was both a political leader and the High Priest of the Sun. Under his rule, the Sun Temple became a very important place. Muisca pilgrims from far away would travel there. Idacansás's time made Sugamuxi a major religious center, much like Rome or Mecca are for other religions.
The myth of Idacansás explains how the cacicazgo of Sugamuxi began. It also shows why the Sun was so sacred there. This was different from other areas on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense, which were often ruled by strict leaders.
Idacansás's Magical Powers
Idacansás was known for his incredible powers. He could even change the order of events. To keep people's support, he sometimes used tricks. He would pretend to be angry and threaten people with death or sickness.
Other times, he would climb a mountain. Dressed in colorful cloaks, he would tell people about coming epidemics. For example, to warn of a sickness like dysentery, he would throw orange or red dust into the air. If he wanted to announce a time of ice and dry weather that would harm crops, he would dress in white and throw ash into the air. He would even act annoyed with people who came to see him, to make his predictions seem more real and powerful.
Some Muisca historians believed that Idacansás was the same person as Bochica, another important figure in Muisca mythology.
See also
In Spanish: Idacanzas para niños
