Idacansás
| Grouping | cacique |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | xeque |
| Similar creatures | Bochica |
| Mythology | Muisca mythology |
| Other name(s) | Idacansas or Idacanzas |
| Country | Muisca Confederation |
| Region |
Altiplano Cundiboyacense Colombia
|
| Habitat | Sun Temple, Sugamuxi |
Idacansás, Idacansas, Idacanzas or Iduakanzas was a mythical cacique who was said to have been the first priest of the sacred city of Sugamuxi, present-day Sogamoso, Colombia, then part of the territories of the Muisca. He is characterized by his great magical powers as he could make rain and hail and transmit diseases and warmth.
In the centuries before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the central highlands of Colombia consisted of the Muisca Confederation, ruled by zaques from Hunza and zipas from Bacatá. Other areas, such as the territories surrounding Sogamoso were ruled by caciques; respected religious nobility. Before the time of the first confirmed human rulers Hunzahúa, who is considered an heir of Idacansás, and Meicuchuca, inaugurated in 1450, the chronicles are based on mythology.
Cacique Idacansás was together with Bochica the priest of the Sun, with his Sun Temple located in Sugamuxi. Allegedly the only cacicazgo (reign of a cacique) where a system of democracy existed was the cacicazgo of Sugamuxi in the Iraka Valley. 17th century Spanish chronicler Lucas Fernández de Piedrahita wrote that the cacique of Sugamuxi was chosen by the natives of Firavitoba and Tobasía, an election organized by the caciques of Gámeza, Busbanzá, Pesca and . In case of conflicts, the cacique of Tundama (present-day Duitama) would intervene.
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