Atahuallpa's earlobes were fitted with the customary golden discs that noble Inca received in a rite of passage. The ritual made them warriors and enabled them to learn about the exploits of past Incas on the battlefields. The Spanish called these nobles "orejónes," or "big ears."

Atahuallpa's face was always hidden by a veil when he received guests. As a son of the sun, his visage was considered too powerful to be seen by human eyes. The Inca practiced polygamy in order to forge solid alliances with regional tribe leaders. Atahuallpa is said to have had more than 5,000 concubines.