Discover

(Redirected from Chasqui)

The '''Chasquis''' (also '''Chaskis''') were agile and highly-trained runners that delivered messages, royal delicacies and other objects throughout the Inca Empire, principally in the service of the Sapa Inca.
''Chasquis'' were dispatched along thousands of miles, taking advantage of the vast Inca system of purpose-built roads and rope bridges in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador. On the coast of what is now Peru their route ran from Nazca to Tumbes. ''Chasqui'' routes also extended into further reaches of the empire into parts of what are now Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile.
Each ''chasqui'' carried a ''pututu'' (a trumpet made of a conch shell or animal's horn), a khipu in which information was stored, and a ''qipi'' on his back to hold objects to be delivered. ''Chasquis'' worked using a relay system which allowed them to convey messages over very long distances within a short period of time. ''Tambos'', or resting points, were constructed at key points along the road system, often consisting of a small shelter with food and water. ''Chasquis'' would start at one ''tambo'' and run to the next ''tambo'' where a rested ''chasqui'' was waiting to carry the message to the next ''tambo''. Through the ''chasqui'' system a message could be delivered from Cusco to Quito within a week.
''Chasquis'' were trained in attack and defense techniques to help ensure delivery of their charges.