An Aztec Headdress in Austria
This Aztec Headdress is known as the Penacho of Moctezuma II was found in the home of former Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Originally, this headdress belonged to the Aztecs in Mesoamerica and was stolen by Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortes and it now resides in the Austrian Museum of Natural History. There is plenty of debate on whether this piece would be returned to Mexico, and I am of the belief that it should be. Originally, the headdress was a part of a much larger costume that would be worn for rituals or performances. It would look its best when the wearer would be dancing with it on- and while it is undoubtedly beautiful, it does not have the same effect as a decoration. The headdress is made up of several green quetzal tail feathers- green being a very prized color of a feather since it is the rarest color and the symbolism it holds. To the Aztecs, green is a color of fertility, agriculture, and creation. This type of work is difficult and required skilled craftsmen t...