quetzalli

Quetzalli is a Nahuatl term meaning the quetzal feather or a feather of the quetzal. The quetzal is a bright, iridescent Central American bird whose plumage has long been valued for ceremonial and aesthetic purposes.

In Aztec and broader Mesoamerican cultures, quetzal feathers were among the most prized elements of regalia. They adorned headdresses, capes, and ceremonial masks and were associated with nobility, priesthood, and rulership. The term quetzalli is closely linked with Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity; the deity’s name is commonly understood to reflect the central symbol of quetzal plumes in religious imagery.

Historically, quetzalli feathers were tightly controlled through tribute systems and long-distance trade networks, with shipments moving from Central American regions toward central Mexican centers. Due to scarcity and sacred significance, these feathers were used in limited quantities and often combined with other precious materials such as gold or turquoise.

In contemporary usage, quetzalli appears as a given name and as an artistic motif in Mexican and Central American contexts. It is also employed in literature and fashion to evoke indigenous heritage and symbolism, underscoring the quetzal’s enduring cultural resonance. The term remains a reference to the bird’s beauty and to the broader legacy of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered deity.

It is closely related to the term Quetzal and to the deity Quetzalcoatl.