Module 9 Americas
Aztec feathered headdress, reproduction. Original: early 16th century, quetzal, cotinga, roseate spoonbill, piaya feathers, wood, fibers, amate paper, cotton, gold, and gilded brass The head dress expressed in the photo is known as Penacho of Moctezuma II. Penacho translates to feather or plume, most likely to describe the headdress that belonged to Moctezuma II, who was an Aztec emperor in the 16 th century. The head dress itself was made by amantecas, they were people who stayed in the temple making these feathered head pieces. They were known as feather workers and were highly regarded in status. The piece itself was made from not only feathers but 450 feathers that could only be found on the male quetzal’s tail. The tail only holds up to three of these large feathers, and they can for the most part only be found at the time in the tropical forests of Central America. The headdress was than acquired by Hernan Cortes and sent to Europe. Cortes was a Sp...
