УДК 7.067
VISUALIZATION OF MOCHICA MYTHS IN SOVIET ANIMATION (ANALYSIS OF THE ANIMATED FILM «LEGENDS OF THE PERUVIAN INDIANS» (1978) DIRECTED BY V. I. PEKAR)
Anastasia S. Dudkevich1
1 Siberian Federal University, Institute of Humanities, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
pluzhnikkkk@yandex.ru
Abstract. In this article the visualization of Mochica myths in Soviet animation is examined through V. I. Pekar’s film Legends of the Peruvian Indians (1978). The study’s aim is to identify the distinctive features of visual interpretation of archaeological and mythological motifs of this ancient culture within the animated format. The methodological foundation combines W. J. T. Mitchell’s iconographic approach—which treats images as carriers of cultural meanings—with Lev Manovich’s mediavisualization method, enabling the detection of recurring visual patterns. The analysis unfolds in stages: selecting key frames that reference the mythological and material culture of the Mochica; conducting a detailed examination of composition and imagery; comparing these visual motifs with myths and archaeological artifacts; and revealing visual patterns and cultural codes. The findings show that the film stylizes its sources by simplifying forms, unifying narrative motifs, and imparting dynamism. The plot synthesizes various mythological fragments, preserving archetypal oppositions and visual codes. The animation thus creates a schematic yet coherent mythological world, adapted for a broad audience while maintaining ties to Mochica cultural heritage.
Keywords: soviet animation, animated film, V. Ya. Pekar, “Legends of the Peruvian Indians”, Soyuzmultfilm, mochica, mythology, myth adaptation
For citation: Dudkevich, A. S. Visualization of mochica myths in soviet animation (analysis of the animated film «Legends of the Peruvian indians» (1978) directed by V. I. Pekar). Digitalization. 2025, 6(3), pp. 75–88. [in Russian]. EDN OMGPBR.