Auqui

Auqui (in Quechua: Awki) is the title held by the crown prince in the Inca Empire or Tahuantinsuyo. In a generic way, all the male children of the Inca were called auquis; however, the specific title fell on only one of them, whose choice was based on criteria different from those of the Eastern world (his ability was taken into account more than his quality as firstborn or legitimate son). By extension, the spirits that surround the Apu or supreme protector of a community are called auquis, all of whom live in the mountains, according to Inca mythology.

Attributions

He was the son of the Inca and Coya (main wife), although not always the eldest son, but rather the one who demonstrated the most ability, both in government functions and in the art of war.

The choice could also fall on one of the Inca's children from one of his secondary wives, for which a legitimization ceremony was performed, during which the Coya sat the prince on her lap and arranged his hair, thus making him his adoptive son.

As crown prince, he had to form his own Panaca and in some cases participated in the co-reign of Tahuantinsuyo with his father. As a symbol of receiving this role as co-ruler, he wore a yellow tassel.

This served not only to train him in matters of state, but also to consolidate his rights to be recognized as Inca upon the death of his father, since his virtues and defects were revealed.

This is the case of the Inca Viracocha and his son Urco, and that of the Inca Pachacútec with his sons Amaru and Túpac Yupanqui. Urco, for example, showed cowardice by fleeing the Chanca invasion and was displaced by his brother Pachacútec; Amaru did not come to reign due to his weakness of character, leaving the post to his younger brother Túpac Yupanqui.

Túpac Yupanqui was precisely the first Auqui who acted as co-regent and took over as Inca after the death of his father (imperial times)

The Auqui brothers who did not become Incas were called Pihui Churi.

Only after concluding the funeral of the deceased Inca, the Auqui could just wear the red mascapaicha, insignia of imperial power, thus becoming the new Inca.