High-resolution LiDAR mapping in the remote Petén jungle has revealed a sprawling 8th-century Maya industrial complex specifically designed for feather-working. The survey identified over 200 structures, including specialized aviary enclosures and processing halls where plumage from macaws and quetzals was transformed into ceremonial headdresses and royal garments.
Researchers state that the site's layout suggests a highly controlled state monopoly on feather production. This discovery highlights the economic importance of the avian trade in Classic Maya civilization and provides a new perspective on the complex labor organization required to maintain the aesthetic splendor of the Maya elite.