Asymmetrical relations of the acllacuna social group, an architectural viewpoint

Abstract

This research uses asymmetric dependency studies to discuss the sociopolitical context of the acllacuna social group, focusing on explaining what type of social asymmetry was applied to them. To this end, I reexamine the architectural evidence for the acllahuasis, particularly those of Pachacamac and Cuzco, and incorporate the analysis of space and ethnohistorical data. The result of the research shows that cultural practices such as social control and hierarchisation, together with the deployment of Inca government, fostered the development of asymmetric relations of dependency, such as subjugation and coercion. These relationships impacted the performance of the acllacuna and their interaction within the political and economic domains.