Sculpture existed only in a rude form, and the decoration of Inca
pottery did not equal that of the coast people. Their ceramic products
are marked by simple and graceful lines, rather Grecian in effect, and
of striking simplicity and utility. They had arrived at a high degree
of skill in the manufacture of textiles, for the _llama_ and _alpaca_
provided them with excellent raw material.
Although they were unfamiliar with refined methods of heat treatment,
and so were compelled to sacrifice extra hardness and strength by
increasing the tin content, they had learned the art of cold working,
and produced many kinds of bronze implements. Some of these were of an
excellent temper, and, together with obsidian knives, were used for
trepanning. Inca methods of warfare, the use of slings and war clubs,
naturally caused many wounds which could be relieved only by such
operations.
In war their skill was defensive rather than offensive. They built
salients and re-entrant angles in their walls, and dry moats are often
encountered.
They domesticated the South American camel (the _llama_), which
enabled them to carry out engineering and agricultural works far more
difficult than they could have accomplished had they been obliged to
depend on human bearers. In addition to maize, potatoes, and cassava,
they had many other important crops, such as pineapples, peanuts, and
cotton. Great is the treasure of precious and base metals which has
come, and is to come, from Peru. But that sinks into insignificance
beside the value of one corn and potato crop throughout the world.
And in the future it seems not at all unlikely that the Incas, famous
for centuries for their system of government, their masonry, and the
treasures which the Spaniards took from them, will be yet more famous
for the extent to which they developed agriculture.
[Illustration: RUINS OF TORONTOY