From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu #53

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor

53.  Later research showed that the remains found at Machu Picchu were not all women, and the idea that it was a sanctuary of sorts for the Virgins of the Sun was discarded.

Hiram Bingham entered tombs at Machu Picchu and removed bones to Yale University.  The collection he took was recently returned to Peru.

From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu #52

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor
52. The Virgins of the Sun were an elite group who took a vow of chastity.  They were not of noble blodo, but their leader, a high priestess, was.

The virgins were young village girls chosen between 8 - 10 years of age based on their looks who would spend the next 6 to 7 years in the temple next to the Temple of the Sun where they were taught to weave fine clothing and robes for the nobles and hangings for ceremonies.  Afterwards many would often concubines for the Inca or marry nobles.