Feathers. Visions of Pre-Columbian America.
Somogy| N° d'inventaire | 22813 |
| Format | 25 x 28 |
| Détails | 120 p., paperback with flaps. |
| Publication | Paris, 2016 |
| Etat | Nine |
| ISBN | 9782757211632 |
The art of featherwork played a major role in the societies of the Andes and Mesoamerica. Before the Hispanic conquest, the trade, use, and application of feathers were highly codified. More precious than gold and highly symbolic, the feather took on a sacred dimension in pre-Columbian America. It was associated with the gods and founding myths, and reserved for the use of caciques and high priests. It was a powerful symbol and a key cultural marker, the importance of which the first evangelists understood, diverting it to the benefit of the Christian message. Franciscan monks reused the art of the amantecas—Aztec master featherworkers—to produce original and hybrid works that remain one of the symbols of New Spain. Of all the riches brought back from Mexico, featherwork was certainly the most highly valued in Europe. Their iridescent colors and fine workmanship quickly made the most famous cabinets of curiosities a success. Thus, little by little, the feather would establish itself in the Western collective imagination as one of the emblems of the New World. From the 16th century onwards, artists took hold of it and contributed to spreading the stereotypical image of the American Indian adorned with feathers, which would persist until the 20th century.
The art of featherwork played a major role in the societies of the Andes and Mesoamerica. Before the Hispanic conquest, the trade, use, and application of feathers were highly codified. More precious than gold and highly symbolic, the feather took on a sacred dimension in pre-Columbian America. It was associated with the gods and founding myths, and reserved for the use of caciques and high priests. It was a powerful symbol and a key cultural marker, the importance of which the first evangelists understood, diverting it to the benefit of the Christian message. Franciscan monks reused the art of the amantecas—Aztec master featherworkers—to produce original and hybrid works that remain one of the symbols of New Spain. Of all the riches brought back from Mexico, featherwork was certainly the most highly valued in Europe. Their iridescent colors and fine workmanship quickly made the most famous cabinets of curiosities a success. Thus, little by little, the feather would establish itself in the Western collective imagination as one of the emblems of the New World. From the 16th century onwards, artists took hold of it and contributed to spreading the stereotypical image of the American Indian adorned with feathers, which would persist until the 20th century.