When people render mit'a, they expect to be fed, and it is the obligation of those who are receiving labor to feed those who are rendering service. Beyond this, certain types of service are regularly repaid with staples. The exchange of food and other commodities ensures the redistribution of staples and dietary elements, and redistribution is vital to the autonomy of the ayllu. Because ayllu rights and responsibilities form the indigenous basis of corporate organization, Andean society has often been characterized as a communal one. However, although ayllu members share kin and community ties, everyone is by no means equal.
Some individuals inherit, marry into, or garner far more resources than others.
There are wealthy couples, families, and lineages, and many very poor ones. Ayllu-like communal organization extends far back in the archaeological record, but even among simple societies of great antiquity some people were better off than others. Cargo systems Among ayllus the nature of decision making and authority has undergone great transformations since the Spaniards' arrival. Today communities may operate under governors and authorities who are outside appointees, but beneath this overlay two more traditional hierarchies of offices often survive. One chain of command comprises civil offices.