All Skies Encyclopaedia - User contributions [en]

Urquchillay

2026-06-16T12:04:31Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Llamas at La Silla (potw1417a).tiff|thumb|Llama petroglyphs. This image shows an ancient sun-scorched boulder near ESO's [/public/teles-instr/lasilla.html La Silla Observatory] in Chile (CC BY ESO/H. Dahle). ]]
[[File:Llama SteveGullberg2026.png|thumb|Urquchillay constellation.<ref>Incan Religion Sufficient ([https://incanreligionsufficient.weebly.com/beliefs-in-deties-and-spirits.html website]): Deties and Spirits</ref>]]
Urquchillay is the name of the Inka god of livestock and wildlife; it was the protector of animals, especially llamas and alpacas: The Inka believed that he watched over their herds from the night sky. As a constellation,<ref>Gullberg, S. R., & Gamarra, M. R. (2024''). Inca Cosmology: The Astronomical Legacy of an Andean Empire''. Springer Nature.</ref> he is represented in the area of [[Lyra]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
'''Spelling Variants'''
* Urquchillay (Qechua spelling)
* Urcuchillay (Spanish spelling)

=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Inka mythology,<ref>Gullberg, S. R. (2020). ''Astronomy of the Inca Empire: Use and significance of the sun and the night sky''. Springer Nature.</ref> Urquchillay is the god of animals who watches over wildlife. Inkan herders would ask Urcuchillay to watch over their herds during the night. Urquchillay is represented by a multicolored male llama. This multicolored coat was used to represent life and wonder. This falls within what we know as the constellation Lyra, with the deity watching over animals during the night as people sleep. Urquchillay, was the god of wildlife, both domesticated llama and alpacas, as well as animals in the jungles. As a god of wildlife, Urquchillay was also associated with prosperity. The Inkas would pray to Urquchillay for the prosperity of the herds for fleece from which to make textiles and clothing, as pack animals, and for meat.

These two constellations are located in the constellation presently known as Lyra, and within that region are three important stars: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Urquchillay represented lambs and therefore was responsible for their care and their procreation. It is thought that Urquchillay was Vega and Qatachillay was Deneb and these appear in the drawing of Salqamaywa. In Cusco and Qurawasi these were called crossover stars because they represent stones used to cross a river. The river in the sky, Ch`askamayu, is the Milky Way. This included the stars Gienach and Sadr and can indicate a crossing the Celestial Equator. We can interpret Qatachillay from translation, to bring the foothills, and this is near a region of many stars that look like a hill on whose summit is the nebula NGC7000, which gives the image of a volcano.

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Urquchillay" is identified with a group of stars in [[Lyra]], sometimes only the bright star [[Vega]].

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
==== Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation ====
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== All HIP Stars within this constellation ==
[[File:Urquchillay CH Stellarium-003.png|thumb|Convex Hull for the stars inside Urquchillay (CC BY Youla Azkarrula).]]

==== Stars within the Constellation Area ====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
!id
!Label
!IAU design.
!description
!Vmag
|-
| align="right" |1
|
|HIP 92791
|
| align="right" |4.3
|-
| align="right" |2
|
|HIP 91971
|
| align="right" |4.36
|-
| align="right" |3
|
|HIP 92728
|
| align="right" |5.57
|-
| align="right" |4
|
|HIP 91973
|
| align="right" |5.59
|-
| align="right" |5
|
|HIP 93017 A
|
| align="right" |5.28
|-
| align="right" |6
|Triminus
|HIP 92833
|
| align="right" |6.03
|-
| align="right" |7
|Xihe
|HIP 91852
|
| align="right" |6.04
|-
| align="right" |8
|
|HIP 92551
|
| align="right" |6.08
|-
| align="right" |9
|
|HIP 91552
|
| align="right" |6.49
|}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Urquchillay

2026-06-15T19:46:28Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Llamas at La Silla (potw1417a).tiff|thumb|Llama petroglyphs. This image shows an ancient sun-scorched boulder near ESO's [/public/teles-instr/lasilla.html La Silla Observatory] in Chile (CC BY ESO/H. Dahle). ]]
[[File:Llama SteveGullberg2026.png|thumb|Urquchillay constellation (CC BY Steven R. Gullberg).]]
Urquchillay is the name of the Inka god of livestock and wildlife; it was the protector of animals, especially llamas and alpacas: The Inka believed that he watched over their herds from the night sky. As a constellation,<ref>Gullberg, S. R., & Gamarra, M. R. (2024''). Inca Cosmology: The Astronomical Legacy of an Andean Empire''. Springer Nature.</ref> he is represented in the area of [[Lyra]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
'''Spelling Variants'''
* Urquchillay (Qechua spelling)
* Urcuchillay (Spanish spelling)

=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Inka mythology,<ref>Gullberg, S. R. (2020). ''Astronomy of the Inca Empire: Use and significance of the sun and the night sky''. Springer Nature.</ref> Urquchillay is the god of animals who watches over wildlife. Inkan herders would ask Urcuchillay to watch over their herds during the night. Urquchillay is represented by a multicolored male llama. This multicolored coat was used to represent life and wonder. This falls within what we know as the constellation Lyra, with the deity watching over animals during the night as people sleep. Urquchillay, was the god of wildlife, both domesticated llama and alpacas, as well as animals in the jungles. As a god of wildlife, Urquchillay was also associated with prosperity. The Inkas would pray to Urquchillay for the prosperity of the herds for fleece from which to make textiles and clothing, as pack animals, and for meat.

These two constellations are located in the constellation presently known as Lyra, and within that region are three important stars: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Urquchillay represented lambs and therefore was responsible for their care and their procreation. It is thought that Urquchillay was Vega and Qatachillay was Deneb and these appear in the drawing of Salqamaywa. In Cusco and Qurawasi these were called crossover stars because they represent stones used to cross a river. The river in the sky, Ch`askamayu, is the Milky Way. This included the stars Gienach and Sadr and can indicate a crossing the Celestial Equator. We can interpret Qatachillay from translation, to bring the foothills, and this is near a region of many stars that look like a hill on whose summit is the nebula NGC7000, which gives the image of a volcano.

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Urquchillay" is identified with a group of stars in [[Lyra]], sometimes only the bright star [[Vega]].

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
==== Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation ====
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

File:Llama SteveGullberg2026.png

2026-06-15T19:44:19Z

SteveGullberg: Urquchillay constellation (CC BY Steven R. Gullberg).

== Summary ==
Urquchillay constellation (CC BY Steven R. Gullberg).
== Licensing ==
{{cc-by-4.0}}

Urquchillay

2026-06-15T05:32:07Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Llamas at La Silla (potw1417a).tiff|thumb|Llama petroglyphs. This image shows an ancient sun-scorched boulder near ESO's [/public/teles-instr/lasilla.html La Silla Observatory] in Chile (CC BY ESO/H. Dahle). ]]
Urquchillay is the name of the Inka god of livestock and wildlife; it was the protector of animals, especially llamas and alpacas: The Inka believed that he watched over their herds from the night sky. As a constellation, he is represented in the area of [[Lyra]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
'''Spelling Variants'''
* Urquchillay (Qechua spelling)
* Urcuchillay (Spanish spelling)

=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Inka mythology, Urquchillay is the god of animals who watches over wildlife. Inkan herders would ask Urcuchillay to watch over their herds during the night. Urquchillay is represented by a multicolored male llama. This multicolored coat was used to represent life and wonder. This falls within what we know as the constellation Lyra, with the deity watching over animals during the night as people sleep. Urquchillay, was the god of wildlife, both domesticated llama and alpacas, as well as animals in the jungles. As a god of wildlife, Urquchillay was also associated with prosperity. The Inkas would pray to Urquchillay for the prosperity of the herds for fleece from which to make textiles and clothing, as pack animals, and for meat.

These two constellations are located in the constellation presently known as Lyra, and within that region are three important stars: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Urquchillay represented lambs and therefore was responsible for their care and their procreation. It is thought that Urquchillay was Vega and Qatachillay was Deneb and these appear in the drawing of Salqamaywa. In Cusco and Qurawasi these were called crossover stars because they represent stones used to cross a river. The river in the sky, Ch`askamayu, is the Milky Way. This included the stars Gienach and Sadr and can indicate a crossing the Celestial Equator. We can interpret Qatachillay from translation, to bring the foothills, and this is near a region of many stars that look like a hill on whose summit is the nebula NGC7000, which gives the image of a volcano.

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Urquchillay" is identified with a group of stars in [[Lyra]], sometimes only the bright star [[Vega]].

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

==== Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation ====
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Urquchillay

2026-06-15T05:30:29Z

SteveGullberg: /* Provenance, Etymology, History */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Llamas at La Silla (potw1417a).tiff|thumb|Llama petroglyphs. This image shows an ancient sun-scorched boulder near ESO's [/public/teles-instr/lasilla.html La Silla Observatory] in Chile (CC BY ESO/H. Dahle). ]]
Urquchillay is the name of the Inka god of livestock and wildlife; it was the protector of animals, especially llamas and alpacas: The Inka believed that he watched over their herds from the night sky. As a constellation, he is represented in the area of [[Lyra]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
==== Spelling Variants ====

* Urquchillay (Qechua spelling)
* Urcuchillay (Spanish spelling)

=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Inka mythology, Urquchillay is the god of animals who watches over wildlife. Inkan herders would ask Urcuchillay to watch over their herds during the night. Urquchillay is represented by a multicolored male llama. This multicolored coat was used to represent life and wonder. This falls within what we know as the constellation Lyra, with the deity watching over animals during the night as people sleep. Urquchillay, was the god of wildlife, both domesticated llama and alpacas, as well as animals in the jungles. As a god of wildlife, Urquchillay was also associated with prosperity. The Inkas would pray to Urquchillay for the prosperity of the herds for fleece from which to make textiles and clothing, as pack animals, and for meat.

These two constellations are located in the constellation presently known as Lyra, and within that region are three important stars: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Urquchillay represented lambs and therefore was responsible for their care and their procreation. It is thought that Urquchillay was Vega and Qatachillay was Deneb and these appear in the drawing of Salqamaywa. In Cusco and Qurawasi these were called crossover stars because they represent stones used to cross a river. The river in the sky, Ch`askamayu, is the Milky Way. This included the stars Gienach and Sadr and can indicate a crossing the Celestial Equator. We can interpret Qatachillay from translation, to bring the foothills, and this is near a region of many stars that look like a hill on whose summit is the nebula NGC7000, which gives the image of a volcano.

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Urquchillay" is identified with a group of stars in [[Lyra]], sometimes only the bright star [[Vega]].

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Urquchillay

2026-06-15T05:28:43Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Llamas at La Silla (potw1417a).tiff|thumb|Llama petroglyphs. This image shows an ancient sun-scorched boulder near ESO's [/public/teles-instr/lasilla.html La Silla Observatory] in Chile (CC BY ESO/H. Dahle). ]]
Urquchillay is the name of the Inka god of livestock and wildlife; it was the protector of animals, especially llamas and alpacas: The Inka believed that he watched over their herds from the night sky. As a constellation, he is represented in the area of [[Lyra]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Inka mythology, Urquchillay is the god of animals who watches over wildlife. Inkan herders would ask Urcuchillay to watch over their herds during the night. Urquchillay is represented by a multicolored male llama. This multicolored coat was used to represent life and wonder. This falls within what we know as the constellation Lyra, with the deity watching over animals during the night as people sleep. Urquchillay, was the god of wildlife, both domesticated llama and alpacas, as well as animals in the jungles. As a god of wildlife, Urquchillay was also associated with prosperity. The Inkas would pray to Urquchillay for the prosperity of the herds for fleece from which to make textiles and clothing, as pack animals, and for meat.

These two constellations are located in the constellation presently known as Lyra, and within that region are three important stars: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Urquchillay represented lambs and therefore was responsible for their care and their procreation. It is thought that Urquchillay was Vega and Qatachillay was Deneb and these appear in the drawing of Salqamaywa. In Cusco and Qurawasi these were called crossover stars because they represent stones used to cross a river. The river in the sky, Ch`askamayu, is the Milky Way. This included the stars Gienach and Sadr and can indicate a crossing the Celestial Equator. We can interpret Qatachillay from translation, to bring the foothills, and this is near a region of many stars that look like a hill on whose summit is the nebula NGC7000, which gives the image of a volcano.

==== Spelling Variants ====

* Urquchillay (Qechua spelling)
* ...
* Urcuchillay (Spanish spelling)

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Urquchillay" is identified with a group of stars in [[Lyra]], sometimes only the bright star [[Vega]].

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Yaqana

2026-06-15T05:07:48Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:JessicasPaintings web 006.jpg|thumb|Yaqana, the She-Llama. The image depicts another llama, the mother-llama, breast-feeding her baby ("5") is no.4; Milky Way with Inka Dark Constellations (CC BY Jessica and Steven R. Gullberg).]]
[[File:Llama and baby llama greet us at Wiñaywayna.jpg|thumb|Llama and baby llama at Wiñaywayna (CC BY Bex Walton)]]
Yaqana, The Llama, is an Inka dark constellation. Yaqana is a mother llama and forms a super-constellation with Uñallamacha, the baby llama. As a constellation, he is represented in the area between [[Centaurus]] and [[Scorpius]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
==== Spelling Variants ====

* Yaqana (Qechua spelling)
* Qatachillay (Qechua name variant)
* Yacana (Spanish spelling)
=== Origin of Constellation ===
Llamas figure prominently in many aspects of Inka culture and this celestial figure was thought to animate the llamas on the Earth. Yaqana is a constellation much larger than Hanpatu or Yutu and dominates the Inkas’ dark constellation section of the Milky Way. Yaqana is situated between Centaurus and Scorpius. The prominent stars α and β Centauri serve as the llama’s eyes and as such are known as ''Llamacñawin'', the “eyes of the llama.” Below Yaqana is a smaller dark constellation called Uñallamacha that is said to be a cria, a baby llama, suckling its mother.

These constellations are two of the dark constellations. According to oral traditions in the Qosqo area, Yaqana’s eyes (llamaqñawin) were Alpha and Beta Centauri, and Yaqana (a llama) with a long neck is swimming in a river of stars. It is easy to look the sky and see the constellation and also see the baby llama that breastfeeding.

This celestial figure was thought to animate llamas on the Earth and has strong significance in Inka culture.

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Yaqana" is identified with a dark cloud in the Milky Way.

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!
!Identification
|-
|''Llamacñawin''
|“eyes of the llama.”
|α and β Centauri
|-
|
|
|...
|-
|
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]] [[Category:Dark Constellation]]

Yaqana

2026-06-15T05:06:41Z

SteveGullberg: /* Origin of Constellation */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:JessicasPaintings web 006.jpg|thumb|Yaqana, the She-Llama. The image depicts another llama, the mother-llama, breast-feeding her baby ("5") is no.4; Milky Way with Inka Dark Constellations (CC BY Jessica and Steven R. Gullberg).]]
[[File:Llama and baby llama greet us at Wiñaywayna.jpg|thumb|Llama and baby llama at Wiñaywayna (CC BY Bex Walton)]]
Yaqana, The Llama, is an Inka dark constellation. Yaqana is a mother llama and forms a super-constellation with Uñallamacha, the baby llama. As a constellation, he is represented in the area between [[Centaurus]] and [[Scorpius]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
==== Spelling Variants ====

* Yaqana (Qechua spelling)
* Qatachillay (Qechua name variant)
* Yacana (Spanish spelling)
=== Origin of Constellation ===
Llamas figure prominently in many aspects of Inka culture and this celestial figure was thought to animate the llamas on the Earth. Yaqana is a constellation much larger than Hanpatu or Yutu and dominates the Inkas’ dark constellation section of the Milky Way. Yaqana is situated between Centaurus and Scorpius. The prominent stars α and β Centauri serve as the llama’s eyes and as such are known as ''Llamacñawin'', the “eyes of the llama.” Below Yaqana is a smaller dark constellation called Uñallamacha that is said to be a cria, a baby llama, suckling its mother.

These constellations are two of the dark constellations. According to oral traditions in the Qosqo area, Yaqana’s eyes (llamaqñawin) were Alpha and Beta Centauri, and Yaqana (a llama) with a long neck is swimming in a river of stars. It is easy to look the sky and see the constellation and also see the baby llama that breastfeeding.

This celestial figure was thought to animate llamas on the Earth and has strong significance in Inka culture.

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Yaqana" is identified with a dark cloud in the Milky Way.

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Vega
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]] [[Category:Dark Constellation]]

Yaqana

2026-06-15T05:00:23Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:JessicasPaintings web 006.jpg|thumb|Yaqana, the She-Llama. The image depicts another llama, the mother-llama, breast-feeding her baby ("5") is no.4; Milky Way with Inka Dark Constellations (CC BY Jessica and Steven R. Gullberg).]]
[[File:Llama and baby llama greet us at Wiñaywayna.jpg|thumb|Llama and baby llama at Wiñaywayna (CC BY Bex Walton)]]
Yaqana, The Llama, is an Inka dark constellation. As a constellation, he is represented in the area of [[Vulpecula]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
==== Spelling Variants ====

* Yaqana (Qechua spelling)
* Qatachillay (Qechua name variant)
* Yacana (Spanish spelling)
=== Origin of Constellation ===
Llamas figure prominently in many aspects of Inka culture and this celestial figure was thought to animate the llamas on the Earth. Yaqana is a constellation much larger than Hanpatu or Yutu and dominates the Inkas’ dark constellation section of the Milky Way. Yaqana is situated between Centaurus and Scorpio. The prominent stars α and β Centauri serve as the llama’s eyes and as such are known as ''Llamacñawin'', the “eyes of the llama.” Below Yaqana is a smaller dark constellation called Uñallamacha that is said to be a cria, a baby llama, suckling its mother.

These constellations are two of the dark constellations. According to oral traditions in the Qosqo area, Yaqana’s eyes (llamaqñawin) were Alpha and Beta Centauri, and Yaqana (a llama) with a long neck is swimming in a river of stars. It is easy to look the sky and see the constellation and also see the baby llama that breastfeeding.

Llamas figure prominently in many aspects of Inca culture and this celestial figure was thought to animate llamas on the Earth. Yacana is a constellation much larger than Hanp’atu or Yutu and dominates the Incas’ dark constellation section of the Milky Way. Yacana is situated between Centaurus and Scorpio. The prominent stars α and β Centauri serve as the llama’s eyes and as such are known as ''Llamacñawin'', the “eyes of the llama.”

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Yaqana" is identified with a dark cloud in the Milky Way.

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Vega
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]] [[Category:Dark Constellation]]

Yaqana

2026-06-15T05:00:04Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:JessicasPaintings web 006.jpg|thumb|Yaqana, the She-Llama. The image depicts another llama, the mother-llama, breast-feeding her baby ("5") is no.4; Milky Way with Inka Dark Constellations (CC BY Jessica and Steven R. Gullberg).]]
[[File:Llama and baby llama greet us at Wiñaywayna.jpg|thumb|Llama and baby llama at Wiñaywayna (CC BY Bex Walton)]]
Yaqana, The Llama, is an Inka dark constellation. As a constellation, he is represented in the area of [[Vulpecula]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
==== Spelling Variants ====

* Yaqana (Qechua spelling)
* Qatachillay (Qechua name variant)
* Yacana (Spanish spelling)
=== Origin of Constellation ===
Llamas figure prominently in many aspects of Inka culture and this celestial figure was thought to animate the llamas on the Earth. Yaqana is a constellation much larger than Hanpatu or Yutu and dominates the Inkas’ dark constellation section of the Milky Way. Yaqana is situated between Centaurus and Scorpio. The prominent stars α and β Centauri serve as the llama’s eyes and as such are known as ''Llamacñawin'', the “eyes of the llama.” Below Yaqana is a smaller dark constellation called Uñallamacha that is said to be a cria, a baby llama, suckling its mother.

These constellations are two of the dark constellations. According to oral traditions in the Qosqo area, Yaqana’s eyes (llamaqñawin) were Alpha and Beta Centauri, and Yaqana (a llama) with a long neck is swimming in a river of stars. It is easy to look the sky and see the constellation and also see the baby llama that breastfeeding.

Llamas figure prominently in many aspects of Inca culture and this celestial figure was thought to animate llamas on the Earth. Yacana is a constellation much larger than Hanp’atu or Yutu and dominates the Incas’ dark constellation section of the Milky Way. Yacana is situated between Centaurus and Scorpio. The prominent stars α and β Centauri serve as the llama’s eyes and as such are known as ''Llamacñawin'', the “eyes of the llama.”

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Yaqana" is identified with a dark cloud in the Milky Way.

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Vega
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Urquchillay

2026-06-15T04:57:27Z

SteveGullberg: /* Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Example.jpg|thumb|Image that shows the earliest map or drawing]]
[[File:Example.jpg|thumb|Image that shows the cultural object (e.g. in archaeological museum)]]
Urquchillay is the name of the Inka god of livestock and wildlife. As a constellation, he is represented in the area of [[Lyra]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Inka mythology, Urquchillay is the god of animals who watches over wildlife. Inkan herders would ask Urcuchillay to watch over their herds during the night. Urquchillay is represented by a multicolored male llama. This multicolored coat was used to represent life and wonder. This falls within what we know as the constellation Lyra, with the deity watching over animals during the night as people sleep. Urquchillay, was the god of wildlife, both domesticated llama and alpacas, as well as animals in the jungles. As a god of wildlife, Urquchillay was also associated with prosperity. The Inkas would pray to Urquchillay for the prosperity of the herds for fleece from which to make textiles and clothing, as pack animals, and for meat.

These two constellations are located in the constellation presently known as Lyra, and within that region are three important stars: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Urquchillay represented lambs and therefore was responsible for their care and their procreation. It is thought that Urquchillay was Vega and Qatachillay was Deneb and these appear in the drawing of Salqamaywa. In Cusco and Qurawasi these were called crossover stars because they represent stones used to cross a river. The river in the sky, Ch`askamayu, is the Milky Way. This included the stars Gienach and Sadr and can indicate a crossing the Celestial Equator. We can interpret Qatachillay from translation, to bring the foothills, and this is near a region of many stars that look like a hill on whose summit is the nebula NGC7000, which gives the image of a volcano.

==== Spelling Variants ====

* Urquchillay (Qechua spelling)
* ...
* Urcuchillay (Spanish spelling)

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Urquchillay" is identified with a group of stars in [[Lyra]], sometimes only the bright star [[Vega]].

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Urquchillay

2026-06-15T04:56:42Z

SteveGullberg:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Example.jpg|thumb|Image that shows the earliest map or drawing]]
[[File:Example.jpg|thumb|Image that shows the cultural object (e.g. in archaeological museum)]]
Urquchillay is the name of the Inka god of livestock and wildlife. As a constellation, he is represented in the area of [[Lyra]]. As an Inka constellation, it has been used in South America.

==Provenance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Inka mythology, Urquchillay is the god of animals who watches over wildlife. Inkan herders would ask Urcuchillay to watch over their herds during the night. Urquchillay is represented by a multicolored male llama. This multicolored coat was used to represent life and wonder. This falls within what we know as the constellation Lyra, with the deity watching over animals during the night as people sleep. Urquchillay, was the god of wildlife, both domesticated llama and alpacas, as well as animals in the jungles. As a god of wildlife, Urquchillay was also associated with prosperity. The Inkas would pray to Urquchillay for the prosperity of the herds for fleece from which to make textiles and clothing, as pack animals, and for meat.

These two constellations are located in the constellation presently known as Lyra, and within that region are three important stars: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Urquchillay represented lambs and therefore was responsible for their care and their procreation. It is thought that Urquchillay was Vega and Qatachillay was Deneb and these appear in the drawing of Salqamaywa. In Cusco and Qurawasi these were called crossover stars because they represent stones used to cross a river. The river in the sky, Ch`askamayu, is the Milky Way. This included the stars Gienach and Sadr and can indicate a crossing the Celestial Equator. We can interpret Qatachillay from translation, to bring the foothills, and this is near a region of many stars that look like a hill on whose summit is the nebula NGC7000, which gives the image of a volcano.

==== Spelling Variants ====

* Urquchillay (Qechua spelling)
* ...
* Urcuchillay (Spanish spelling)

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "Urquchillay" is identified with a group of stars in [[Lyra]], sometimes only the bright star [[Vega]].

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Vega
|-
|
|...
|-
|
|...
|}

===Image Variants: Transfer and Transformation===
<gallery>
Example.jpg|ancient manuscript 1
Example.jpg|Steve's mapping
Example.jpg|Jessica's painting ... something else ...
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Inka]] [[Category:South American]] [[Category:American]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Inka (All Terms)

2025-05-17T17:57:00Z

SteveGullberg: Minor edit updates

Inka are peoples in the Americas. This compilation of terms and their spelling variants was compiled by Steven R. Gullberg and Susanne M Hoffmann based on the following literature:

# Gary Urton (1981). ''At the Crossroads of the Earth and Sky: An Andean Cosmology'' (University of Texas Press)
# Steven R. Gullberg (2020). ''Astronomy of the Inca Empire: Use and Significance of the Sun and the Night Sky'' (Springer)
# Steven R Gullberg and Milton Rojas (2024). ''Inca Cosmovision: The Astronomical Legacy of an Andean Empire'' (Springer)

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Original
!Language of Origin
!Pronounce
!English
!Note
|-
|Alto pina ch'aska
|
|
|" star which is already high" [i.e., in the zenith]
|A 1st and 2nd magnitude star or planet in the "zenith" at midnight
|-
|Amaru
|
|
|“The Serpent”
|Scorpius
|-
|Amaru contor
|
|
|the serpent changing to the condor
|Scorpius
|-
|Aquayoq and Catuilla
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Arado
|Spanish
|
|plough
|Scorpius
|-
|Atoq
|
|
|The Fox
|a dark constellation
|-
|Boca de Sapo
|Spanish
|
|"mouth of the toad"
|Hyades
|-
|Boleadora
|
|
|a lasso with three balls at the end; also a "thief'
|Shooting stars
|-
|Cabanuelas
|
|
|"small hut, cottage"
|Pleiades (?)
|-
|Calvario Cruz
|Spanish
|
|the cross of Calvary
|(a) head of Scorpius
|-
|Calvario Cruz
|Spanish
|
|the cross of Calvary
|(b) Betelgeuse, Rigel, Sirius, and Procyon (c) Procyon, Castor, Belt of Orion, 13 T auri (d) Belt of Orion, T Orionis, and Rigel
|-
|Ch`aka Tinkucheq
|
|
|
|Orion's Belt+ Betelgeuse and Rigel
|-
|Ch`aska Punchu
|
|Chasqa Punchu
|Poncho of the Stars
|the seven bright stars of Orion
|-
|Ch`askamayu
|
|
|
|Milky Way
|-
|Ch’aska Waraqa
|
|
|
|stars in the tail of Scorpius
|-
|Chacra
|
|
|
|A cultivation area; Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Rigel, and Saiph.
|-
|Chakana
|
|
|“The Bridge” or "Stars"
|(1) Orion’s Belt
|-
|Chakana
|
|
|“The Bridge”
|(2) ε, δ, and η Canis Major
|-
|Chaqana
|
|Ch`akana
|
|Southern Cross
|-
|Chasca Cuyllor
|
|
|“Morning Star” “Evening Star”
|Venus
|-
|Ch'aska
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Ch'aska plata
|
|
|" silver star"
|Shooting stars
|-
|Chaska Waraqa Mach`aqway
|
|
|the flame in the eyes of llamaqñawin
|α and β Centauri
|-
|Ch'issin ch'aska
|
|
|"evening star"
|1st and 2nd magnitude stars and a planet
|-
|Choquechinchay
|
|
|"golden cat"
|Tail of Scorpio (or dark spot inside tail?)
|-
|Chuchuqoyllor
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Chuquichinchay
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|[[Contor]]
|
|
|condor
|
|-
|Coscotoca ch'aska
|
|
|"star of the two equal parts"
|A 1st and 2nd magnitude star or planet in the "zenith" at midnight
|-
|Flagstone Hayquna
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Foot
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Hanp’atu
|
|
|The Toad
|a dark constellation
|-
|Hatun Coyllur
|
|
|"large star"
|Sirius
|-
|Hatun Cruz
|
|
|“The Great Cross”
|(a) Rigel, Sirius, Procyon, and Betelgeuse
|-
|Hatun Cruz
|
|
|“The Great Cross”
|(b) Procyon, Castor, η and μ Gemini
|-
|Hatun llamaytoq
|
|
|the great large llama
|a dark streak between the coal-sack and eps Sco
|-
|Huaman
|Qechua
|
|
|Alnitak
|-
|Huchuy Cruz
|Qechua & Spanish
|
|“The Small Cross”
|The Southern Cross
|-
|K 'olli
|
|
|?
|unidentified small dark spot
|-
|Kapuwara Wara
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Khaswa Coyllur
|
|
|"circle dance star(s)"
|(a) γ, o, κ, λ Vela
|-
|Khaswa Coyllur
|
|
|"circle dance star(s)"
|(b) Corona Borealis (?)
|-
|Kotu Sankha
|
|
|
|Hyades + Aldebaran
|-
|Laja Haykuna
|
|
|
|in Argo Navis, means entry into the darkness
|-
|Linun Cruz
|Spanish
|
|Linun = Lat. lignum; "wooden cross" or "the crucifixion cross"
|head of Scorpius
|-
|Llama
|
|
|llama
|Large dark streak between the Coalsack and ε Scorpii
|-
|Llama Cancha
|
|
|"Llama corral"
|
|-
|Llamacñawin
|
|
|“The Eyes of the Llama”
|α and β Centauri
|-
|lllarimi ch 'aska
|
|
|"dawn star"
|any 1st or 2nd mag star or planet at dawn
|-
|Locero
|
|
|moning star, Venus
|In Yucay, one infonnant talked of pachaypaqa locero ("dawn morning star"); an informant in Lucre called both the morning and evening stars "locero."
|-
|Mach`aqway
|
|Machacuay
|the Serpent
|a dark constellation
|-
|Mallki
|
|
|
|in Aries
|-
|Mama Rosario
|Spanish
|
|Mother Rosary
|unidentified bright nebulosity in the Milky Way
|-
|Mamana micuc
|
|
|"(the one who) eats his mother"
|ξ, π, σ, ν, τ Puppis
|-
|Mayu
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Michij runa
|
|
|a shepherd
|a dark constellation
|-
|Ñawin Cristo
|
|
|"the eyes of Christ"
|α and β Centauri
|-
|Ombligo de la llama
|
|
|umbilicus of the llama
|narrow, curving dark streak from alf Cen south and curving up to tet Sco
|-
|Onqoy
|
|
|"Desease", an alternative name for Qollca
|
|-
|Orqorara
|
|
|three stars all the same
|"Three Marias", Orion's Belt
|-
|Orqorara and Ranch
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Pachapacariq Chaska
|
|
|“The Venus of the Western Suyu”
|(1) Canopus
|-
|Pachapacariq Chaska
|
|
|“The Venus of the Western Suyu”
|(2) Altair
|-
|Pachapacariq ch'aska
|
|
|"dawn of the earth"
|One Sonqo informant rereferred to pachai/larimi ch'aska ("dawn of the earth star"); it might be any bright object ...
|-
|Papa Dios Cruz
|Spanish
|
|"the cross of God the father"
|head of Scorpius
|-
|Passon Cruz
|Spanish
|
|the cross of the Passion
|
|-
|Pisqa Collea
|
|
|the five storehouses
|between Orion and the Hyades
|-
|Pisqa Coyllur
|
|
|the five star(s)
|Hyades
|-
|Posuqu
|
|
|foam
|bright stellar clouds in the southern Milky Way
|-
|Puma Yunta
|
|
|
|in Gemini - eyes Castor and Pollux
|-
|Qatachillay
|
|Catachillay
|“Female Llama with Lamb”
|Altair and Deneb
|-
|[[Qollca]]
|
|Collca
|“The Storehouse”
|
|-
|Qoqamanqa
|
|
|pot of coca
|a constellation
|-
|Qosqo and Qurawasi
|
|
|Crossover Stars
|a constellation
|-
|Quntur
|Qechua
|
|condor
|Mintaka
|-
|Qutu
|
|
|pile
|Pleiades
|-
|Santissima Cruz
|Spanish
|
|“The Sacred Cross”
| α, β, δ, π, and σ Scorpii
|-
|Saramanqa
|
|
|pot of maiz (corn)
|a constellation
|-
|Sonaja
|
|
|tambourine, rattle
|Corona Borealis
|-
|Sullu ullucu
|
|
|aborted ullucu
|
|-
|Suyuntu and Huaman
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Suyuntuy
|Qechua
|
|
|Alnilam
|-
|Torito
|Spanish
|
|" little bull"
|A star or planet in the "zenith" at midnight; torito is also the name of the " rhinoceros beetle" (Dynastinae)
|-
|Uñallamacha
|
|
|The Baby Llama
|a dark constellation
|-
|Urpi
|
|
|dove
|coalsack
|-
|Urquchillay
|
|Urcuchillay
|“Llama of Many Colors”
|Lyra
|-
|Yaqana
|
|Yacana
|The Llama
|a dark constellation
|-
|Yaqumama
|
|
|
|a constellation
|-
|Yuthu
|
|Yutu
|The Tinamou
|(1) Coalsack, SE of Southern Cross
|-
|Yuthu
|
|Yutu
|The Tinamou
|(2) dark spot outlined by the tail of Sco (3) dark spot near Scutum
|-
|Yutucruz
|Qechua-Spanish
|
|"tinamou cross"
|Southern Cross
|}

[[Category:Overviews]]
[[Category:Inka]]
[[Category:American]]
[[Category:South American]]