TYPE: Creator god
ORIGIN: Inca - Peru
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP: Circa 400 CE to Circa 1500 CE
SYNONYMS: Huiracocha, Viracocha
CENTER(S) OF CULT: Cuzco
ART REFERENCES: Various sculptures in stone and precious metals and carvings (all lost)
INFORMATION: Vairacocha is the creator of all other supernatural beings and of men and animals, and is perceived to rule the heavens in the fashion of an Inca emperor. He is the source of all divine power, but not immediately concerned with administration of the world and appears only in times of crisis. He is also depicted as a heroic figure who once traveled the world teaching mankind various arts and crafts. He is said to have crossed the Pacific Ocean walking upon the water.
IN the chief sanctuary at Cuzco the deities of the pantheon were represented in gold statues, that of Vairacocha being hte most important. It is described as having been the size of a small bocy, right hand upraised with fist clenched, but with the thumb and forefinger stretched out. His full Inca name, contracted by the Spanish invaders, is Ilya-Tiqsi Wiraqoca pacayacaciq (ancient foundation, lord, instructor of the world). The title Vairacocha has been used by South American Indians into recent times to address white people.