Idacansás

Idacansás, Idacansas, Idacanzas or Iduakanzas was a mythical ''cacique'' who was said to have been the first priest of the sacred city of Sugamuxi, present-day Sogamoso, Colombia, then part of the territories of the Muisca. He is characterized by his great magical powers as he could make rain and hail and transmit diseases and warmth.

Background

In the centuries before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the central highlands of Colombia consisted of the Muisca Confederation, ruled by '' zaques'' from Hunza and '' zipas'' from Bacatá. Other areas, such as the territories surrounding Sogamoso were ruled by ''caciques''; respected religious nobility. Before the time of the first confirmed human rulers Hunzahúa, who is considered an heir of Idacansás, and Meicuchuca, inaugurated in 1450, the chronicles are based on mythology.

Mythography

''Cacique'' Idacansás was together with Bochica the priest of the Sun, with his Sun Temple located in Sugamuxi. Allegedly the only ''cacicazgo'' (reign of a ''cacique'') where a system of democracy existed was the ''cacicazgo'' of Sugamuxi in the Iraka Valley. 17th century Spanish chronicler Lucas Fernández de Piedrahita wrote that the ''cacique'' of Sugamuxi was chosen by the natives of Firavitoba and Tobasía, an election organized by the ''caciques'' of Gámeza, Busbanzá, Pesca and Toca. In case of conflicts, the ''cacique'' of Tundama (present-day Duitama) would intervene.Ocampo López, 2013, Ch.12, p.77

The ''cacique'' of Sugamuxi always had a double role as political and religious leader, as High Priest of the Sun. Under his rule was the Sun Temple where Muisca pilgrims from far away gathered. The reign of Idacansás made Sugamuxi a religious centre; the Rome or Mecca of the Muisca. The myth of Idacansás explains the origin of the ''cacicazgo'' and the sacred character around the Sun as unique on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense that was ruled by often brutal (Nemequene) dictatorial rulers.

To maintain the support of the people, Idacansás used lies and deceit; he pretended he was angry with the people and threatened them with death, diseases or other methods. In other occasions he would climb a mountain dressed in coloured mantles and accompanied by some of his nobles and to let the people know there was an epidemic of dysentery coming, he would sprinkle orange or ochre-red dust in the air. Sometimes he would dress in white and throw ash in the air announcing that ice and aridity would come over the fertile lands of the Muisca, destroying their crops. To enhance the character of his foretellings he would react irritated to the people who came to see him as priest.

The rule of Idacansás was so widely respected and feared because he was able to change the chronological order of things happening.

Some Muisca chroniclers equate Idacansás with Bochica.Bochica as Idacansás
- Pueblos Originarios - accessed 23-04-2016

See also

* Iraca
* Muisca
* Muisca mythology, Thomagata

References

Bibliography

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Idacansas
Muisca mythology and religion
Muisca rulers
Pre-Columbian mythology and religion
Colombian priests
Muysccubun