Fame of Thrones: Seats, Sights, and Sanctity among the Inka

The Throne of the Inka, or Sapaqurinka, exemplifies how materiality and location fused to elevate the Inka ruler into a divine overseer. Carved from rock atop Cuzco’s promontory, this sacred seat enabled the ruler to merge with the landscape, embodying both impermanent flesh and petrous permanence. The study analyzes its form, placement, and carving techniques, revealing how these elements facilitated the ruler's role as a living extension of the sacred topography.

Dean, C. (2015). Fame of Thrones: Seats, Sights, and Sanctity among the Inka. Material Religion, 11(3), 355–385. https://doi.org/10.1080/17432200.2015.1083728