The concept of the vertical economy was discussed in class and in the film. It discusses how it applies to the Incas. Since self-sufficiency was the ideal of the society, family units claimed parcels of land in different ecological niches in the rugged terrain. In this way, they achieved what anthropologists have called "vertical complementarily," that is, the ability to produce a wide variety of crops--such as maize, potatoes, and quinoa (a protein-rich grain)--at …showed first 75 words of 350 total…

…showed last 75 words of 350 total…closed and ritual world of rural Quechua society and have shared the difficulties that Julia and her husband experienced. The most striking thing about the book, is that during the final pages you will be sharing the tears of Julia, as she leaves Tambo for the last time. And you will be left with the overwhelming desire to know what has since become of the people that you too have come to know and understand.