1. Ruler’s Feather Headdress
By Lucas Alpert

2. RULER’S FEATHER HEADDRESS, MEXICA, Aztec State 1350-1521 CE, Feathers (Quetzal and Cotinga) and gold

3. Embellished gold and jade
Formal Qualities
450 Feathers
Embellished gold and jade

4. Context
Headdress most likely belonged to the Aztec leader Montezuma
Powerful leader, last ruler before the Spanish conquest
Cortès is the leader of the conquest

5. Debate over if it is a crown or ritual piece
Function
Debate over if it is a crown or ritual piece
Headdress worn to denote status
The more elaborate the higher the status

6. Cross-Cultural Connection
Palette of Narmer, Old Kingdom Egypt ( BCE), Slate