---
title: "Aclla"
description: "The aclla were the Inka state's Chosen Women, who lived in cloistered communities and wove fine cloth and brewed beer for the empire."
type: Glossary
url: https://teazle.art/glossary/aclla
published: 2026-10-14
updated: 2026-10-14
author: "The Teazle editors"
---

# Aclla

*The aclla were the Inka state's Chosen Women, who lived in cloistered communities and wove fine cloth and brewed beer for the empire.*

The aclla (also aqlla, plural acllacuna) were the Chosen Women of the Inka state. The Cleveland Museum of Art says they lived in cloistered communities and served the state by brewing beer and weaving fine cloth.

## What did they make?

Cleveland lists them, alongside women of noble families and professional weavers, among the makers of fine tapestry garments, which the state then redistributed as gifts to loyal vassals and allies. Other sources attribute the very finest [cumbi](https://teazle.art/glossary/cumbi.md) to aclla; sources do not agree on exactly who wove what.

## Why does it matter?

It shows that cloth was a state product: made in state-run settings, controlled by officials, and given out to create obligation.


## Sources

1. [Tunic, c. 1400–1540 (1957.136)](https://clevelandart.org/art/1957.136). The Cleveland Museum of Art
2. [Andean Textiles](https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/andean-textiles). The Metropolitan Museum of Art
3. [Inca Textiles](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/791/inca-textiles/). World History Encyclopedia

Canonical: https://teazle.art/glossary/aclla