The Ruler's Feathered Headdress (probably of Motecuhzoma II) is composed of hundreds of long, iridescent green tail feathers of the quetzal bird. Because quetzal birds are not native to the Valley of Mexico, the acquisition of these feathers demonstrates which of the following aspects of the Mexica (Aztec) empire?
- AA direct reliance on Spanish trade connections established during early colonial collaborations.
- BThe universal use of animal materials to represent shamanistic transformations of rulers into animal spirits.
- The vast trade networks and tribute systems that connected the capital to distant tropical provinces.Answer
- DAn architectural decision to align personal regalia with solar equinoxes and sacred cardinal directions.
Answer
The vast trade networks and tribute systems that connected the capital to distant tropical provinces.
The correct answer is the vast trade networks and tribute systems that connected the capital to distant tropical provinces. The quetzal feathers used in the headdress are native to the cloud forests of southern Mesoamerica (such as Chiapas and Guatemala), far from the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The acquisition of these luxury goods demonstrates the power of the Mexica empire to demand valuable resources as tribute from subjugated regions and to maintain long-distance trade routes.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The tribute system and trade networks of the Mexica Empire reflected in the materials of elite regalia.