Final answer:
Quetzal feathers were more valuable than gold in ancient Central and South American cultures, used for creating luxurious art and symbolizing status.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the "Arts of the Ancient Americans" video, Quetzal feathers were considered to be much more valuable than gold in ancient Central and South America. These vibrantly colored feathers, especially those from the Quetzal bird, were highly esteemed and used in exquisite art forms like featherwork, symbolizing status and power. They were crafted into headpieces, fans, garments for rituals, and more, showcasing a remarkable aspect of the ancient American artistic heritage. Gold, while significant, did not hold as much value as these spectacular feathers, which were a true representation of luxury and prestige in Mesoamerican cultures.