Xavier Quijas Yxayotl

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The talented musician, better known by his indigenous name, "Yxayotl, " (which in Nahuatl means "tears"), was born in Jalisco, Mexico. His passion for the traditional handmade instruments -- Mayan and Aztec drums and flutes, Tarahumara drums, turtle shells , rain sticks, Teponaxtli log drums -- led him to learn how to make replicas of the ancient instruments of the prehispanic peoples. A master flute maker specializing in the Mayan and Aztec double and triple flutes made of clay, he is also a skilled musician with several successful recordings. In 1985, Yxayotl formed a dance and music troup in Los Angeles named America Indigena, composed of others who share his love of ancestral musical forms; last year the group was honored by their invitation to play for the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize at the presentation ceremony in Rome. We are delighted to welcome him to the 2005 International Gathering in Michigan.

For more information about Xavier, please visit his website:
http://www.yxayotl.com

video by Antoni Ansarov