 Coat of Arms given byPhilip II, representing the union between the Huancas and the Spaniards | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 90,727 (2000–2002)[1][2] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Peru | |
| Languages | |
| Jauja Wanca Quechua,[1] Huaylla Wanca Quechua,Spanish[2] | |
| Religion | |
| Roman Catholicism, traditional religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| otherQuechua peoples |
TheHuancas,Wancas, orWankas are aQuechua people living in theJunín Region of centralPeru, in and around theMantaro Valley.
The southern branch of Huanca people are called the Wanka Waylla Quechua and Southern Huancayo Quechua.[1] The Jauja Wanka are also called Wanka Jauja Quechua and Shawsha Wanka Quechua people.[2] They gave their name to the Peruvian football teamDeportivo Wanka.
Prior to being incorporated into the Inca Empire, the Huanca had a polity that has by some been described as a state and by others as a chiefdom.[3] The Huanca cultivated various root crops and maize, as well as herded llama.[3]
After fierce fighting, the Huanca people were conquered byPachacuti in the 15th century and incorporated intoTawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire.[3] After being conquered, the Huanca provided soldiers for Inca campaigns in Quito.[3] However, upon the arrival of Spaniards, the Huanca allied with theSpaniards against the Inca during theconquest of Peru.[3] They provided supplies and men to the Spanish army.
The Huanca people speakJauja Wanka Quechua andWaylla Wanka Quechua, bothQuechua I languages.[1][2] These languages differ significantly from the Incas'Quechua of Cusco. (seeMantaro Valley)
| Indigenous |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-indigenous |
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