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Yume Nikki:Indigenous Imagery: Difference between revisions

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Some prominent examples are the [[Aztec Rave Monkey]] (which appears many times in backgrounds and its own [[Events#The_Aztec_Rave_Monkey|event]]) and the [[KALIMBA]] that appear in [[Madotsuki's Room]], which even has these designs on her carpet. In the same room, there is also the [[NASU]] minigame.
Some prominent examples are the [[Aztec Rave Monkey]] (which appears many times in backgrounds and its own [[Events#The_Aztec_Rave_Monkey|event]]) and the [[KALIMBA]] that appear in [[Madotsuki's Room]], which even has these designs on her carpet. In the same room, there is also the [[NASU]] minigame.


==Possible inspirations==
==Paracas culture==
===Paracas culture===
While many fans have speculated that these themes are Aztec, it has often been instead suggested that the imagery in ''Yume Nikki'' more closely resembles artwork from the ancient '''Paracas''' civilization of modern-day southern Peru. This Andean society lived from around 800 BC to 100 BC, and made significant works using textile-art as they had wide knowledge of water management. This art extended to their process for funerals: wrapping up their deceased and offerings in stylized embroidered cloths. Their art style can be seen many times in the game itself.
While many fans have speculated that these themes are Aztec, it has often been instead suggested that the imagery in ''Yume Nikki'' more closely resembles artwork from the ancient '''Paracas''' civilization of modern-day southern Peru. This Andean society lived from around 800 BC to 100 BC, and made significant works using textile-art as they had wide knowledge of water management. This art extended to their process for funerals: wrapping up their deceased and offerings in stylized embroidered cloths. Their art style can be seen many times in the game itself.
[[File:1391979338861.jpeg|thumb|500px|center|A full Paracas poncho featuring characters similar to [[Madotsuki]].]]


In [[Number World]], after going through the [[Zippertile]], the player is greeted with a small hallway leading up to [[KyuuKyuu-kun]], which contains a similar background to The Nexus.
{|
|[[File:1391979338861.jpeg|thumb|left|520px|A full Paracas poncho.]]||[[File:101824.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A close-up of the left image, showing a figure similar to [[Madotsuki]].]]
|}


[[File:Kyukyu.png|center|thumb|500px|Notice the characters in the background.]]
"Flying man" figures also appear throughout the game, as they are a common motif in Paracas burial textiles. The background of the [[The Nexus|Neuxs]] uses both heads and full figures. [[Number World]] also has this design in the stairway located behind a [[Zippertile]].
 
{|
|[[File:The Nexus.png|thumb|left|350px|The Nexus, which has a "flying man" background.]]||[[File:Kyukyu.png|right|thumb|350px|The Number World stairway background also has a similar design.]]
|}
[[File:Peruvianperson.jpg|thumb|500px|center]]
[[File:Peruvianperson.jpg|thumb|500px|center]]


In ancient Peruvian cultures such as these, dreams have high significance in that they can be spiritual events that when finished, would cause the person to learn something about themselves. It is possible that these themes were chosen by [[KIKIYAMA]] as a way to represent Madotsuki's mind as if she were doing the same as these people did. One example of this is the background in [[Eyeball World]], which presents itself in the form of an ancient 'dream being' holding a head, as this would let the dreamer know that they are in this state. Another notable feature is the snake coming out of its mouth, which is said to be representative of the 'evil' of a person being expelled.
In ancient Peruvian cultures such as these, dreams had high significance in that they can be spiritual events that, when finished, caused the dreamer to learn something about themselves. It is possible that these themes were chosen by [[KIKIYAMA]] as a way to represent Madotsuki's mind as if she were doing the same.
[[File:99510.png|center|frame|A dream being shown with a head and a snake.]]
 
==Nazca culture==
Directly proceeding the Paracas were the Nazca, another ancient Peruvian society that shared many similarities in terms of their art and culture. These people lived from around 100 BC to 800 AB in the Ica Region.


===Nazcan culture===
Although the Aztec Rave Monkey is often labeled as a representation of Aztec culture, many fans have said that the character more closely resembles line drawings made by Nazca civilizations. Dreams often played a significant role in this culture as well, which further continues the comparisons between these civilizations and a possible greater meaning to the game itself.
Directly proceeding the Paracas were the '''Nazcans''', another ancient Peruvian civilization that shared many similarities in terms of their art and culture. These people lived from around 100 BC to 800 AD in the Ica Region, leading to the Nazca Province being named after them. They made many underground aqueducts that still function today to provide water.
[[File:Nazcanravemonkey.jpg|thumb|center|400px|A Nazca line drawing resembling a monkey.]]


Although the Aztec Rave Monkey is often labeled as such, many have said that the character more closely resembles line drawings made by these notable Nazcan civilizations. Dreams often played a significant role in this culture as well, which further continues the comparisons between these civilizations and a possible greater meaning to the game itself.
One common motif in Nazca art is the appearance of decapitated heads, also known as trophy heads. They are most notable for their appearance in Nazca ceramics and were believed to be used for religious rituals or agriculture. The most notable appearance of decapitated heads in the game is the [[Severed Heads]], which may also be related to the [[Henkei Shita]], who resemble headless bodies. One other instance is the background in [[Eyeball World]], which presents itself as a being holding a person's head. One common modification made to the severed heads was a rope hole going through the forehead, which may explain the snake- or intestine-like object that the being also wields. It should also be noted that [[Severed Blue Head|another severed head]] appears in the same world.
[[File:Nazcanravemonkey.jpg|thumb|500px|center|Compare this with the Aztec Rave Monkey (see above)]]  
[[File:99510.png|thumb|center|350px|A dream being shown with a severed head.]]


===African culture===
==Aztec culture==
[[File:KALIMBA TV.gif|center|frame|One of the most common examples, the [[Events#The_KALIMBA_TV_Channel|KALIMBA TV Channel event]], features a kalimba (an African finger piano) as its main instrument, also an example of 'ritual vomiting'.]]
Another culture that seems to be represented in the game is that of the Aztecs, a Mesoamerican culture that lived from 1300 to 1521. It should also be noted that this is the only true Mesoamerican culture that appears to be represented in the game.


Although to a lesser extent, '''African''' themes have also been noted by fans of the game, although these ones are more in the form of the soundtrack.  
One of the most well known aspects of Aztec culture is their religious sacrifices. These sacrifices were made to deities as way of thanking them for continuing the circle of life, usually with offerings of food, animals, and humans. These rituals often took place at the top of pyramids during ritual festivals, which were considered temples or places of worship as well as homes for the many deities the Aztecs worshipped. In ''Yume Nikki'', pyramids appear in various locations. These include the [[The Checkered Tile Path|Checkered Tile Path]], the [[The Wilderness|Wilderness]], the [[The Neon Tile Path|Neon Tile Path]], and [[FC World B]]. The [[Events#The Falling Man|Falling Man]] events also appears to be associated with these sacrifices, as the bodies of human sacrifices appear to have been thrown or tumbled down the pyramid temple stairs as seen in Aztec art and documentation. Another aspect associated with this appears to be the severed head motif, which is detailed above in the Nazca culture section.
[[File:Lucky.png|thumb|center|350px|Two men fall from the sky, possibly referencing the sacrifices made at the top of Aztec temples.]]


The sound design of the game is known for its often weird sounds, whether this be in the form of the droning, looping music, or the strange ones that many characters make upon interaction. Among these, it is not uncommon to come across tribal-like beats, such as [[Takofuusen]], who randomly appears across the screen in the [[White_Desert#White_Desert_A|White Desert A]], accompanied by one of these sounds.
==African culture==
[[File:Yn-tako.png|thumb|320px|center|It sends off a pattern as it flies by.]]
Although to a lesser extent, African themes have also been noted by fans of the game, although these ones are more in the form of the soundtrack. The sound design of the game is known for its often weird sounds, whether this be in the form of the droning, looping music, or the strange ones that many characters make upon interaction. Among these, it is not uncommon to come across tribal-like beats.


[[File:M_s.ogg|noicon|center]]
The [[Events#The_KALIMBA_TV_Channel|KALIMBA TV Channel event]] is one of the most common examples, as the song features a kalimba as its main instrument. The kalimba is an instrument modeled after the mbira, an African lamellophone.
[[File:KALIMBA TV.gif|thumb|center|300px|The KALIMBA TV Channel event taking place.]]
<center><small>KALIMBA beat</small></center>
[[File:KALIMBA.ogg|noicon|center]]


By going into [[Monoko|Monoko's]] tunnel and using the [[Effects#Stoplight_.2F_Traffic_Light_.EF.BC.88.E3.81.97.E3.82.93.E3.81.94.E3.81.86.EF.BC.89|Stoplight]] effect, Monoko gains a deformed appearance. Interacting with her shows a [[Events#Monoko|full-screen event]] accompanied by a similar, repetitive beat.
Two notable examples appear in the [[White_Desert#White_Desert_A|White Desert]], which are associated with characters found there. One can be heard with [[Takofuusen]], who randomly appears across the screen and is accompanied by one of these beat-like sounds. Another is [[Monoko]], who starts a [[Events#Monoko|full-screen event]] accompanied by a similar, repetitive beat when the [[Effects#Stoplight_.2F_Traffic_Light_.EF.BC.88.E3.81.97.E3.82.93.E3.81.94.E3.81.86.EF.BC.89|Stoplight]] effect is used near her.
[[File:Monokodance.png|frame|center]]


{|
|[[File:Yn-tako.png|thumb|320px|left|It produces a short beat as it flies by.]]||[[File:Monokodance.png|thumb|300px|right|Monoko, who's event also makes a similar beat.]]
|}
<center><small>Takofuusen's beat</small></center>
[[File:M_s.ogg|noicon|center]]
<center><small>Monoko's beat</small></center>
[[File:BGM 022.ogg|noicon|center]]
[[File:BGM 022.ogg|noicon|center]]


Another character that makes a similar noise is the [[The Fisherman|Fisherman]], who is found in [[Windmill World]]. In [[YUMENIKKI –DREAM DIARY–]], the player obtains a kalimba from one of the [[Train Passengers]] after playing a melody on the [[Effects#Flute_.EF.BC.88.E3.81.B5.E3.81.88.EF.BC.89|Flute]].
Another character that makes a similar noise is the [[The Fisherman|Fisherman]], who is found in [[Windmill World]]. In [[YUMENIKKI –DREAM DIARY–]], the player obtains a kalimba from one of the [[Train Passengers]] after playing a melody on the [[Effects#Flute_.EF.BC.88.E3.81.B5.E3.81.88.EF.BC.89|Flute]]. The [[Lizardman|Lizardmen]] also have faces and colors reminiscent of traditional African tribal masks.


==Interpretation==
==Interpretation==
It can be interpreted that Madotsuki herself feels as though she is connected with these cultures and their wide interpretations of dreams, as she has items in the real world that even resemble their art. As mentioned before, the significance of dreams in these ancient civilizations and their beliefs may tell of a deeper context of the game.
It can be interpreted that Madotsuki herself feels as though she is connected with these cultures and their wide interpretations of dreams, as she has items in the real world that even resemble their art, particularly her carpet. As mentioned before, the significance of dreams in these ancient civilizations and their beliefs may tell of a deeper context of the game.


Since dreams would often represent sicknesses and the deepest feelings and essence of a person, the ones that Madotsuki faces are not as weird as they are her coming to terms with her own fears. This could be why they are as strange as they are, since what they really represent is a sort of "cleansing" of her mind of these harmful thoughts.
Since dreams would often represent sicknesses and the deepest feelings and essence of a person, the ones that Madotsuki faces are not as weird as they are her coming to terms with her own fears. This could be why they are as strange as they are, since what they really represent is a sort of "cleansing" of her mind of these harmful thoughts.


Another theory is that Madotsuki herself is a {{WP|Japanese_Peruvians|Japanese Peruvian}}, explaining both motifs from South American and Japanese culture.
Another theory is that Madotsuki herself is a {{WP|Japanese_Peruvians|Japanese Peruvian}}, explaining both motifs from South American and Japanese culture.
[[File:Shieldbackground.png|thumb|400px|center]]
[[File:Shieldbackground.png|thumb|400px|center|The background of [[Shield-Folk World]], showing two monkey creatures similar to the Paracas style.]]
[[Category:Yume Nikki]]
[[Category:Yume Nikki]]

Revision as of 23:53, 29 June 2022

The Aztec Rave Monkey, one of the most recognizable examples of this imagery in the game.

One of the most noteworthy visual themes in Yume Nikki is that of Mesoamerican imagery. While it is up to speculation as to whether or not these cultures that are displayed so prominently alongside Japanese culture have any significance, there exist many theories as to how this could relate to the characters and the overarching message of the game.

Some prominent examples are the Aztec Rave Monkey (which appears many times in backgrounds and its own event) and the KALIMBA that appear in Madotsuki's Room, which even has these designs on her carpet. In the same room, there is also the NASU minigame.

Paracas culture

While many fans have speculated that these themes are Aztec, it has often been instead suggested that the imagery in Yume Nikki more closely resembles artwork from the ancient Paracas civilization of modern-day southern Peru. This Andean society lived from around 800 BC to 100 BC, and made significant works using textile-art as they had wide knowledge of water management. This art extended to their process for funerals: wrapping up their deceased and offerings in stylized embroidered cloths. Their art style can be seen many times in the game itself.

A full Paracas poncho.
A close-up of the left image, showing a figure similar to Madotsuki.

"Flying man" figures also appear throughout the game, as they are a common motif in Paracas burial textiles. The background of the Neuxs uses both heads and full figures. Number World also has this design in the stairway located behind a Zippertile.

The Nexus, which has a "flying man" background.
The Number World stairway background also has a similar design.
Peruvianperson.jpg

In ancient Peruvian cultures such as these, dreams had high significance in that they can be spiritual events that, when finished, caused the dreamer to learn something about themselves. It is possible that these themes were chosen by KIKIYAMA as a way to represent Madotsuki's mind as if she were doing the same.

Nazca culture

Directly proceeding the Paracas were the Nazca, another ancient Peruvian society that shared many similarities in terms of their art and culture. These people lived from around 100 BC to 800 AB in the Ica Region.

Although the Aztec Rave Monkey is often labeled as a representation of Aztec culture, many fans have said that the character more closely resembles line drawings made by Nazca civilizations. Dreams often played a significant role in this culture as well, which further continues the comparisons between these civilizations and a possible greater meaning to the game itself.

A Nazca line drawing resembling a monkey.

One common motif in Nazca art is the appearance of decapitated heads, also known as trophy heads. They are most notable for their appearance in Nazca ceramics and were believed to be used for religious rituals or agriculture. The most notable appearance of decapitated heads in the game is the Severed Heads, which may also be related to the Henkei Shita, who resemble headless bodies. One other instance is the background in Eyeball World, which presents itself as a being holding a person's head. One common modification made to the severed heads was a rope hole going through the forehead, which may explain the snake- or intestine-like object that the being also wields. It should also be noted that another severed head appears in the same world.

A dream being shown with a severed head.

Aztec culture

Another culture that seems to be represented in the game is that of the Aztecs, a Mesoamerican culture that lived from 1300 to 1521. It should also be noted that this is the only true Mesoamerican culture that appears to be represented in the game.

One of the most well known aspects of Aztec culture is their religious sacrifices. These sacrifices were made to deities as way of thanking them for continuing the circle of life, usually with offerings of food, animals, and humans. These rituals often took place at the top of pyramids during ritual festivals, which were considered temples or places of worship as well as homes for the many deities the Aztecs worshipped. In Yume Nikki, pyramids appear in various locations. These include the Checkered Tile Path, the Wilderness, the Neon Tile Path, and FC World B. The Falling Man events also appears to be associated with these sacrifices, as the bodies of human sacrifices appear to have been thrown or tumbled down the pyramid temple stairs as seen in Aztec art and documentation. Another aspect associated with this appears to be the severed head motif, which is detailed above in the Nazca culture section.

Two men fall from the sky, possibly referencing the sacrifices made at the top of Aztec temples.

African culture

Although to a lesser extent, African themes have also been noted by fans of the game, although these ones are more in the form of the soundtrack. The sound design of the game is known for its often weird sounds, whether this be in the form of the droning, looping music, or the strange ones that many characters make upon interaction. Among these, it is not uncommon to come across tribal-like beats.

The KALIMBA TV Channel event is one of the most common examples, as the song features a kalimba as its main instrument. The kalimba is an instrument modeled after the mbira, an African lamellophone.

The KALIMBA TV Channel event taking place.
KALIMBA beat

Two notable examples appear in the White Desert, which are associated with characters found there. One can be heard with Takofuusen, who randomly appears across the screen and is accompanied by one of these beat-like sounds. Another is Monoko, who starts a full-screen event accompanied by a similar, repetitive beat when the Stoplight effect is used near her.

It produces a short beat as it flies by.
Monoko, who's event also makes a similar beat.
Takofuusen's beat
Monoko's beat

Another character that makes a similar noise is the Fisherman, who is found in Windmill World. In YUMENIKKI –DREAM DIARY–, the player obtains a kalimba from one of the Train Passengers after playing a melody on the Flute. The Lizardmen also have faces and colors reminiscent of traditional African tribal masks.

Interpretation

It can be interpreted that Madotsuki herself feels as though she is connected with these cultures and their wide interpretations of dreams, as she has items in the real world that even resemble their art, particularly her carpet. As mentioned before, the significance of dreams in these ancient civilizations and their beliefs may tell of a deeper context of the game.

Since dreams would often represent sicknesses and the deepest feelings and essence of a person, the ones that Madotsuki faces are not as weird as they are her coming to terms with her own fears. This could be why they are as strange as they are, since what they really represent is a sort of "cleansing" of her mind of these harmful thoughts.

Another theory is that Madotsuki herself is a Template:WP, explaining both motifs from South American and Japanese culture.

The background of Shield-Folk World, showing two monkey creatures similar to the Paracas style.