section_path: Society/Duality
section_name: Duality
paragraph_text: Duality
  
  The basic organizational principle of Inca society was duality or yanantin, which was based on kinship relationships. The ayllus were divided into two parts that could be "Hanan or Hurin," "Alaasa or Massaa," "Uma or Urco," "Allauca or Ichoc"; according to Franklin Pease, these terms were understood as "high or low," "right or left," "male or female," "inside or outside," "near or far," and "front or back." Though the specific functions of each part are unclear, it is documented that one leader was subordinate to the other, with Rostworowski noting that in Cuzco, the upper half was more important, while in Ica, the lower half held more significance. Pease also points out that both halves were integrated through reciprocity. In Cuzco, "Hanan" and "Hurin" were opposites yet complementary, like human hands in the yanantin.