“Penacho de Moctezuma,” One-Step Closer to Returning to Mexico
Austria formalized an agreement with Mexico on Tuesday that will allow for the return of a feathered headdress believed to have once belonged to Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin.
The headdress, which is often referred to as a feathered crown, is commonly known by most Mexicans as “El Penacho de Moctezuma,” or “Moctezuma’s Headdress.”
Austria’s Ministry of Culture and Education made clear that the headdress’ return to Mexico is considered a “loan,” not the repatriation one of Mexico’s most important cultural symbols.
The headdress is believed to have been taken to Spain by Hernán Cortés in 1519. Reports say Archduke Ferdinand of Austria obtained it in 1590. It’s been housed at the Museum of Ethnology in Vienna since the early 1800’s.
Much of the credit for leading the efforts to return the headdress to Mexico goes to Xokonoschtletl Gómora. See video of him below.
The majority of Mexicans, included those who responded to a question we posted on Twitter and Facebook, support having the headdress stay in Mexico.
Video: Xokonoschtletl Gómora - Apoya el Regreso de la Corona de Moctezuma
(via missmerryreggay)
