What is one function of the Inka Temple of the Sun?

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Study for the Texas AandM University ARTS150 Art History Survey II Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Sharpen your knowledge for success!

The Inka Temple of the Sun primarily served as a center of Inka spirituality. This temple was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of the Inka civilization. The temple was richly adorned with offerings, rituals, and celebrations that reinforced the significance of the sun in Inka cosmology, emphasizing its importance as a source of life and power. Sacred objects, such as gold and silver, reflected the Inka's devotion and the belief that these materials were vital for honoring their deities.

Additionally, the temple's location in Cusco, the capital of the Inka Empire, reinforced its spiritual prominence, as Cusco was considered the navel of the world in Inka mythology. The temple not only acted as a place of worship but also symbolized the connection between the leaders of Inka society and their gods, facilitating communication between the divine and the earthly realms. This context helps clarify why this choice is the correct function of the temple. Other options, while they may describe various aspects of Inka society, do not capture the primary role of the Temple of the Sun in their culture.