Ayllu
A family clan, the traditional form of a community in the Andes
Real World Example
The ayllu was a central social unit in the Inca civilization, where families worked together to farm, share resources, and support one another. This structure responded to the challenges of surviving in the harsh Andean environment by promoting cooperation and mutual aid. The ayllu system was important because it helped manage land and labor, which were essential for the community's survival and prosperity. Today, the concept of ayllu still matters because it emphasizes the importance of community and working together to solve problems. For example, in a neighborhood clean-up, families might come together to improve their local environment, reflecting the ayllu's spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility.
