Final answer:
Aztec and Maya rulers and priests raised birds in aviaries or imported feathers to obtain quetzal feathers without harming the bird. The quetzal's feathers were used in various forms of high-status and sacred art, such as the Moctezuma headdress, influenced by the bird’s association with the deity Quetzalcoatl.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Aztec and Maya rulers and priests obtained the prized tail feathers of the quetzal in a manner that did not harm the bird, which was a significant accomplishment considering the cultural and religious importance of the quetzal. These societies managed to either raise birds in aviaries or import the feathers, preventing the need to kill the birds. Especially among the Aztecs, feathers, particularly bright-colored ones from birds such as the macaw and the highly revered quetzal, carried substantial value and were a symbol of status.
One of the most exquisite uses of quetzal feathers was in the creation of the famed headdress associated with Moctezuma II. This headdress contained over 400 quetzal feathers along with various materials and gold, demonstrating the skill of amantecas (feather artists), who were highly respected individuals within the empire. Featherwork was not limited to headdresses but extended to shields, clothing, and other ceremonial items, illustrating the versatile use of this art form.
Furthermore, Aztec religious beliefs played a role in the preservation of quetzal birds. As the quetzal was associated with Quetzalcoatl, a deity who, according to prophecy, would return, the bird held a religious significance that may have influenced the decision not to kill it for feathers. Such intricate featherwork and the reverence for feathers are clear representations of the complexity and religious significance of quetzal feathers in Aztec and Maya cultures.