Ñusta

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Ñusta, which roughly translates to "princess" in the Quechua language, is a term for a highly noble or upper-class woman of Incan or Andean birth who spoke the traditional Cuzco Quechua language. Ñustas were not full descendants of Incan royalty; therefore, the Quechua term was used to denote the regional origin of the ñusta's non-royal parent. A ñusta could range from being the daughter or half-sister of the Sapa Inca himself, one of his lesser wives, or a wife or daughter of another high-ranking male noble such as the heads of local ayllu municipalities (kurakas). Ñustas typically did not have full Incan status and, therefore, had to have their natal provinces as part of their titles. The Spanish recognized ñustas as noblewomen and added the Spanish title “Doña” to their Christian and Andean names. The role of the ñusta focused heavily on familial relations. One of the most important foundations and ideologies of Incan culture was family unity and adaptation to a bounded organization. Ñustas also contributed to creating food surpluses and maintaining economic prosperity, both supporting the stabilization of Incan society.