1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Quichua

QUICHUA, a South American Indian tribe and stock, the ruling people of Peru when the Spaniards arrived. The Quichuan stock then included the Quichuas proper and the many vassal tribes of the ancient empire of Peru. To-day it numbers some three millions. The modern Quichuas average a height of 5 ft. to 5 ft. 6 in. They are of slender build, but with well proportioned muscular limbs, and are capable of enduring great fatigue. Their complexions are of a fresh olive colour, the skin very smooth and soft, beardless, hair straight and black, the nose aquiline. They are skilful farmers and herdsmen. (See Peru.)