The Festival of The Images in The Andes
Scene Mode. Ancient Mural at Huaca de la Luna archaeological site - Trujillo, Peru.
The mural of myths
This magnificent relief-painted mural is found on one side of the great ceremonial plaza of Huaca de la Luna pyramid, built by the Moche culture (A.D. 1-700, northern central coast of Peru). It has been called ‘the Mural of Myths’ because it portrays several mythical stories of the Moche society in scenes that include fantastical beings, warriors and other human figures, along with plants and animals, all interacting with each other. Note particularly the two individuals holding long lassoes, one ending in a ‘chakana’ or Andean cross, the other ending in a blue feline. This mural is an example of the ‘scene mode’ of representation in which different elements appear together to form a visual narrative.