abstract:The Maya people constitute a diverse range of the Native American people of southern Mexico and northern Central America. The overarching term "Maya" is a collective designation to include the peoples of the region who share some degree of cultural and linguistic heritage; however, the term embraces many distinct populations, societies, and ethnic groups, who each have their own particular traditions, cultures, and historical identity.
Suchadmirers continue alonghistoryofadoration for the quetzal. The bird was sacred to the ancientMayaandAztecpeoples, and royalty and priestswore its feathersduringceremonies.