Embassy of Peru and Humboldt University Highlight Mochica Astral Knowledge in Berlin
Academic conference explores Andean cosmology and cultural continuity in Germany
February 17th, 2026
On 5 February, the Embassy of Peru in Germany, in cooperation with Humboldt University of Berlin, hosted an academic event entitled “Nocturnal Astral Perceptions in Contemporary Moche Fishermen of the Northern Coast of Peru,” bringing together scholars, students, and members of the public interested in Andean culture and cosmology.
The event, held at the Embassy’s Maria Reiche Room, was led by Dr. Pedro Jacinto Pazos, anthropologist and senior professor at the National University of San Marcos. Co-organized with Dr. Kerstin Störl, Professor at the Institute of Romance Studies at Humboldt University and Vice President of the Rimasqa Rimana Association, the academic gathering reflected ongoing cooperation between Peruvian and German institutions in promoting research on Andean languages and cultural heritage.
During his presentation, Dr. Pazos explored the symbolic significance of the “Mural of Myths” located at Huaca de la Luna, a major ceremonial center of pre-Hispanic Peru. He explained how astral representations embedded in Moche iconography continue to influence contemporary artisanal fishermen along Peru’s northern coast, who maintain a cultural and spiritual connection with ancestral maritime traditions and Andean cosmogony.
The lecture attracted a diverse audience, including academics and students from Free University of Berlin alongside participants from Humboldt University, members of the Peruvian community, German attendees, and individuals interested in Latin American history and anthropology. The strong attendance underscored growing interest in interdisciplinary approaches linking archaeology, anthropology, and cultural studies.
By hosting the event, the Embassy of Peru reaffirmed its commitment to fostering academic dialogue and cultural exchange in Germany, highlighting the importance of scholarly cooperation in deepening mutual understanding and promoting awareness of Peru’s rich historical and cultural traditions.
