Ruler’s feather headdress

Ruler’s feather headdress (probably of Motecuhzoma II). Mexica (Aztec). 1428–1520 C.E. Feathers (quetzal and cotinga) and gold.

• replica; original taken by Hernan Cortes; quetzal tail feathers; bird from Central America, tribute items; sent to capital; part of an entire costume; part of ritual, celebrations; transformative; Aztec; gold ornaments; turquoise/green feathers; feather workers highly regarded; after conquest, art doesn't die out: subject changes, usually Christian iconography; two cultures intertwine; hybrid art form;