Kopilli Ketzalli is the Aztec word for "precious crown" and it refers to the sacred feathercrown of Montezuma, the ninth tlahtoani (emperor) of the Aztecs. This headdress has been in possession of the Austrians since 1524. It is currently located in the Museum of Ethnology (Volkerkundmuseum) in Vienna. Since 1986, descendants of the Aztec Nation have been gathering signatures in the streets of Eur
ope to petition the Austrian government. They want the sacred feathercrown returned to the country of its origin for display in the Anthropological National Museum of Mexico City (Museo Nacional de Antropologia) which is built over the remains of Montezuma's residence. These Indians hold that, when the feathercrown returns to this sacred place, the Indian Sun will dawn over all the planet and teach harmony, peace and respect to all people. A new petition, hosted by thepetitionsite.com is now collecting more signatures. You can read the full petition and add your signature by choosing the petition option from the side bar menu on the site. Background and history:
The Kopilli Ketzalli was the crown of the Aztec emperor, Motekuhzoma (Montezuma in English). It consists of 400 feathers of the Quetzal bird. To the Aztecs, the Quetzal is a sacred bird, representing wisdom, fertility, freedom and peace. Its feathers are given only for supreme achievement. The number 400 is the symbol for eternity and immensity. According to Aztec tradition, only the highest person is entitled to wear the 400 feathers of this sacred Quetzal bird. Originally, the crown also consisted of a helmet of pure gold. After the slaying of Montezuma during the Spanish invasion of Hernando Cortez, the crown was confiscated by the Spaniards. The gold helmet was melted down into bars and the feathered head piece was sent as a present to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain (known there as Charles I). Charles V was also the Archduke of Austria where the Hapsburg dynasty had their residence. It presently resides in an exhibit in the Vienna Hofburg - Museum for Ethnology. For many years, the Mexican government has been asking the Austrian government to return the feathercrown. Currently, a replica of the head piece can be found in the Anthropological National Museum of Mexico City. This along with other representative items of Mexico's original culture has been offered to the Austrians in exchange for the sacred headdress. I saw it in Vienna on my way from Italy (where I lived) on my way to Prague. I thought,
'If the United Kingdom can ceremoniously give Hong Kong back to China and the United States can give The Panama Canal back to Panama why can’t the Austrians ceremoniously give the real Motezuma’s Crown ceremoniously back to Mexico?' Huh? Yeah right. The Mexicans have a convincing replica and this makes me sad. It’s time to on Mexico. Add your voice to this petition or just discuss it with your friends.
