The Incas considered their rulers to be divine, and they took great care to preserve their bodies after death. The Inca ruler was mummified using salt, spices, and herbs. The process was elaborate and time-consuming, but it was believed that it was necessary to ensure the ruler's afterlife in the next world.
Burial
The embalmed ruler was then placed in a tomb. The tombs were often located in secret places, and they were filled with valuable offerings such as gold, silver, and jewelry. The Incas believed that these offerings would help the ruler in the afterlife.
Mourning
The death of an Inca ruler was a time of great mourning. The people would wail and lament, and they would often cut their hair and disfigure themselves. The mourning period could last for several months.
Deification
After the mourning period, the Inca ruler was deified. This meant that they were considered to be a god, and they were worshipped by the people. The Incas believed that the ruler would continue to watch over them and protect them from harm.