Source: WTL© tourist photograph taken at MNA in 2007.
Comments: This photo was taken through a glass covering. In the photo you see reflections of the display cases behind the photographer and opposite this display case. The case features a replica of Moctezuma II's extraordinary headdress. The original is in a museum in Italy. The main feathers are those of the sacred quetzal bird. Years ago it was possible to see this magnificent headdress in this MNA museum without it being shielded behind glass. Online you can see a better (and copyrighted) photo at this site: FlickrFromYahoo. What amazing and glorious colors! How imposing, how impressive, how artistic it is! How grandly symbolic of sacredness and state power it is! Imagine what Hernán Cortés, in his dull steel helmet, thought and felt when he saw Moctezuma II wearing it! For Dr. Little's photo of the same headdress taken before it was protected under glass, go to: => Aztec Art 10a.