When discussing indigenous languages of the Andes, Quechua and Aymara often steal the spotlight. However, did you know there was a third language that some say was used by the Inca elite? We’re talking about Puquina (or Pukina, as some folks say).
Pukina is a language that once thrived among Andean elites, and is as mysterious as the Paititi, as there are not too many records about it.
Some historians believe Puquina was the basis for many cultural and political systems in the Inca Empire. This language now rests in the forgotten corridors of history.
Although Puquina may have faded, its influence remains strong. You can see its impact on Andean culture, healing traditions, and even modern revival efforts. Join us as we explore more about this fascinating language that has faded into oblivion.
Puquina: A Language of Power and Prestige
Long before the Incas rose to power, the Tiwanaku civilization (circa 500–1000 CE) flourished around Lake Titicaca, in what is now Peru and Bolivia.
This sophisticated society, known for its megalithic structures and impressive agricultural techniques, likely communicated in Puquina.
As the Tiwanaku civilization faded, Puquina remained. Small groups around, such as the Colla people, still speak it.
Years later, by the time the Incas emerged as a dominant force in the Andes, Puquina had already established itself as a prestigious language.
Some researchers say Inca elites used a secret language called “Qhapaq Simi”, a language similar to Puquina. This special dialect was likely used in sacred rituals and political talks.
Only those in the upper ranks of Inca society could fully grasp their leaders’ commands and spiritual beliefs. In this sense, Puquina functioned as a linguistic key to power within the empire.
Puquina, Quechua, and Aymara: A Linguistic Puzzle
While Quechua eventually became the lingua franca of the Inca Empire, Puquina left an undeniable mark on Andean languages.
Unlike Quechua and Aymara, which belong to well-documented language families, Puquina is considered a language isolate, meaning it has no confirmed relatives.
However, you can find linguistic traces of Puquina in both Quechua and Aymara, particularly in place names, religious terms, and noble titles.
For instance, several high-status terms in the Inca political hierarchy—words long assumed to be Quechua—have been identified as Puquina in origin.
Additionally, the name Contiti, referring to an important deity in Andean cosmology, likely comes from Puquina rather than Aymara or Quechua.
These linguistic remnants suggest that Puquina was deeply embedded in the cultural and religious framework of the Incas, even as its usage diminished over time.
The Kallawaya Healers: Guardians of Puquina’s Legacy
A key part of Puquina’s survival is the Kallawaya. They are traditional healers from Bolivia, and their practices are truly fascinating.
The Kallawaya healers are well-respected for their deep understanding of medicinal plants and spiritual practices.
They communicate in a unique language that blends Puquina and Quechua, which adds to their rich cultural heritage.
Their language, cherished and passed down through generations, highlights the enduring impact of Puquina.
This unique mix of languages helps the Kallawaya keep their identity and traditions alive. Today, anthropologists and linguists are excited to study the Kallawaya language. It is one of the last signs that Puquina once existed.
The fact that Puquina still shows up in such a unique area highlights how adaptable and strong ancient languages can be.
How did Puquina sound?
Rebuilding the phonetics and grammar of a nearly extinct language is tough. Still, scholars found some interesting clues about Puquina’s structure. It is believed to have had four vowels: a, e, i, and one vowel that could have been o or u.
The consonant system included sounds like p, t, ch, k, q, m, n, ñ, s, sh, h, ll, and r. Puquina has some features that are similar to Arawakan languages.
For example, it uses possessive prefixes like no- for “my,” pi- for “your,” and ču- for “his/her.” However, a direct link between them is still uncertain.
Numbers in Puquina also provide insight into its unique character. Puquina has its own unique numerical terms.
While it shares some similarities with Quechua and Aymara, it stands out as an independent language. These structural elements deepen the mystery of Puquina.
Spreading and How It Came to Life
Historians show that Puquina was once widely spoken but now exists only in scattered fragments. For example, Luis Jeronimo de Ore, a religious chronicler, translated religious texts such as catechism fragments into Puquina, and that’s all we know about it.
Linguists extracted the lexicon from de Ore fragments, no more than 300 terms, perhaps 250 taking away quechuisms and aymarisms.
From those religious texts, scholars also extracted the grammar and some vocabulary. Also, thanks to colonial documents, we have an idea of how extensive this language was.
According to 16 and 17th century documents, including some of Sarmiento de Gamboa’s chronicler, tells us that around the Titicaca Lake, northwest in Canchis, Cusco, until Iquique, a part of the Amazon to the north, and finally to the south, reaching Potosi, Bolivia, people used to speak Puquina.
Place Names: Puquina’s Silent Footprints
One of Puquina’s most enduring legacies lies in Andean toponymy—the study of place names. Many locations in Peru and Bolivia, particularly around Lake Titicaca and Cusco’s Sacred Valley, bear names of Puquina origin.
For example, words such as “Llaque” or “Raque” inspired Peruvian towns like Coalaque or Coparaque. By the way, these words mean cliff.
We have also “Mora,” which means center in Puquina. As the greatest example, we have the Moray inca lab in Cusco’s Sacred Valley.
Quechua people think the word “cachi” is Quechua; however, it has Puquina origin too. For example, the word “Hachacachi” doesn’t mean great salt, but the great frame, as cachi means frame in Puquina.
As another fascinating example, we have “Titicachi” word, another name for the Titicaca lake. The word titi means sun in Puquina, so the word “Titicachi” means the frame of the sun.
The survival of these names suggests that Puquina was once more widespread than previously assumed, influencing not just Inca society but also pre-Inca cultures that thrived in the highlands of South America.
A theory that changes everything
Now we saw some evidence that shows that Puquina had a great influence, now let’s see why we can claim that people used to speak Puquina even before Aymara in the Peruvian and Bolivian altiplano.
We can take a look at the legends about where the Incas came from. All these legends and tales stated that the Incas came from Lake Titicaca. What language do you think they spoke?
They used to speak puquina, and by the time they moved to Cusco, where they founded their empire, learned Aymara.
As primitive Incas started speaking Aymara, they left Puquina behind. So, when did the Incas start speaking Quechua? When Pachacutec and his army defeated the Chankas, fierce warriors who defied the Incas.
By doing so, Pachacutec and his people acquired their enemy’s language, and the Puquina language became even less used in the Empire, as some people, especially royalty, used to speak it.
Did you know? Words like Inti, Qapaq, or Manco also have Puquina origin. Most of these words were names of Emperors, such as Ayar Manco, Manco Qapaq, or Inti, the Incas’ Sun god.
According to Peruvian linguist Rodolfo Cerron Palomino, the word “Inti” has Puquina origin too (Titi), while some others claim it’s based on the Quechua word “Anti”, which means “east,” just right where the sun rises.
Everything wasn’t Quechua or Aymara
The story of Puquina is not just a tale of linguistic curiosity; it is a testament to the resilience of Andean civilizations and the enduring power of language.
By studying Puquina’s history, we gain a deeper understanding of pre-Columbian history, the complexities of cultural exchange, and how languages shape human experience.
Although Puquina is an extinct language and is not as well-known as Quechua or Aymara, its legacy is important for Peruvians today.
As long as people are willing to remember, research, and restore, the legacy of Puquina will continue to inspire generations to come.
So, the next time you hear about Quechua or Aymara, remember that another language once thrived in the Andes—a language that shaped empires, whispered secrets among rulers, and still lingers in the names of mountains, valleys, and healing chants. Puquina may be silent, but its voice echoes through history.
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