Daily Life

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is about the food and fashion that were prevalent in the Inca Empire, showcasing the diversity and ingenuity of the Inca civilization. It details the various crops cultivated by the Incas, such as maize, potatoes, and quinoa, and discusses their diet, which included a range of meats and plant-based foods. The worksheet also explores the Inca’s textile industry, highlighting the use of alpaca and llama wool in clothing and the symbolic significance of different patterns and weaves. It touches upon how the Incas valued utility and beauty in their garments and the importance of clothing as a social and cultural identifier.

The worksheet intends to teach students about the integral role of agriculture and textile manufacturing in shaping the Inca society and economy. It explains how the agricultural practices of the Incas contributed to a varied diet that supported their large population and the sophisticated techniques they used to store and preserve food. Students will learn about the advanced skills of Inca weavers, who created textiles that were not only practical but also works of art, reflecting the wearer’s status and community. Through this learning material, students are encouraged to appreciate the complexity of ancient societies and understand how basic needs such as food and clothing can also be expressions of culture and technology.