An Aztec Headdress in Austria
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 to create. Aztec Amanteca were responsible for creating headdresses such as this and they were highly regarded in Aztec society. Very few pieces like this survived since they were not as valued by Spaniards and no precautions were kept to protect and preserve them.
It came to its current location in Austria when it was taken from the Aztec people and cycled around the homes of different nobles until it came into the hands of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand.
It should be returned to its rightful home since the only reason we even know about it is from the other artifacts that were taken from the Aztecs and those who keep the art form alive. This headdress is an important piece of the history of Mexico and is one of the remaining artifacts of a nearly lost art form. It seems unfair that the replica is sitting in its home country while the real thing is across an entire ocean. The effects of colonialism still linger and this is one example of such, and there should be an effort to return such important historical artifacts to their rightful homes.
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