Venezuelan Myths
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Year: 2015
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Team partners: Personal Project
research work and implemented in graphics that talks about indigenous cultures in Venezuela and their mythology
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OVERVIEW
For some time, I had a keen interest in the indigenous cultures of Venezuela and how they differed from Greek mythology. Upon conducting research, I stumbled upon an intriguing observation. Greco-Roman culture depicted its gods in human form, resulting in a more realistic graphical representation. In contrast, Latin American cultures placed greater importance on nature and cycles, hence the geometric representations of their gods.
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PROCESS
After considering these findings, I made the decision to develop a series centered around 8 mythological tales from diverse Venezuelan tribes. To achieve a cohesive visual identity, I created a graphic system that unified all of the stories. To accomplish this, I researched books translated by monks who participated in expeditions to America, and referenced art created by indigenous peoples.
KUAI MARE “The Happy One Who Dwells Above” was the principal deity worshipped by the Waraos. This divine figure is depicted as a black entity with long hair, large eyes, and elongated ears, one extending to the east and the other to the west. The deity’s earrings radiate a golden and silver shine. The god’s attire consists of a light tunic that flows with the wind, generating the breeze that stirs the waters of the rivers. The god’s movements are so powerful that they shake the earth. As the creator of good and evil spirits, this deity holds significant importance in Warao mythology.
MAREIWA In Wayúu mythology, he was the offspring of thunder. He was the guardian of fire, which he kept securely hidden in a cavern, inaccessible to humans. However, Junuunay, a young farmer, managed to infiltrate the cave and steal some embers, thereby introducing the knowledge of fire to mankind.
OSSEMMA The Yukpa worshipped a deity of agriculture who had an extensive mane adorned with flowers and grains of corn. As the deity was unable to communicate in the Yukpa language, a squirrel served as their interpreter. This divine figure resided among the tribe for an extended period, teaching them the art of cultivating the land. When the deity eventually departed, the Yukpa believe that the god shrunk to such a small size that the earth consumed them, causing the first tremors to occur.
ARCO The aquatic deity possesses a dual nature, serving as both a creator and destroyer, capable of both healing and causing afflictions. This deity was wed to Ark and is often associated with Ches and rainbows. It is symbolized as a moor bird.
CHES The Andean deity of crops was called upon to predict the fate of a harvest. Offerings were made to appease the deity in the hope of ensuring a good crop. This god was also recognized as both a giver of rewards and punishments and was believed to reside in the moors and lagoons.
TAMORYAYO As per the beliefs of the Yukpa tribe, the creator deity lived in the clouds and once descended to rearrange the firmament in its current position. The first Yukpa was then created. Over time, observing that the man was alone, the deity dispatched a woodpecker as an envoy to inquire if the man desired companionship. The man agreed, and the bird flew in search of the Manüracha or Caricai tree, which would bleed when cut. The Yukpa then sliced the tree in two, and it transformed into two women. He tickled them, and their laughter brought their souls to life. They were named Yoripa, impregnated by the deity, and became the ancestors of the Yukpa people.
PURU Based on the Salivas’ mythology, there was a god who created everything good and resides in the heavens. One of his sons slayed a serpent that had been tormenting people, and from the snake’s entrails emerged repulsive worms that eventually transformed into the Carib tribe.
ODOSHA The malevolent spirit, ruler of the forest, wind, mountains, and dreams, is known as a trickster who takes pleasure in making people suffer. He is known for piercing the tongues of those who venture out at night and ignore his warning whistle. The Suamo demons, who are in charge of wild animals that prey on humans, serve him. He resides in the highlands of the Guayanese tepuis.
For this project, I began my initial forays into animation and amalgamated these stories to create a trailer for a video game. Our protagonist is Vochi, the first man, who, after surviving a Tamoryayo deluge, creates two women to keep him company. However, a group of demons from the tepuis abducts them, intent on preserving nature and preventing humanity from proliferating.
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