Xavier Quijas Yxayotl

Xavier Quijas Yxayotl was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco of Huichol heritage (his indigenous name, "Yxayotl," is Nahuatl for "tears"). Originally an artist, in the 1970's he left city life and moved to the mountains of Jalisco and Nayarit, Mexico to live with his Huichole relatives and the Tepehaunes people. There Xavier studied and played pre-Columbian instruments, participating in ceremonies and rituals. He developed a passion for making museum quality indigenous instruments ? Mayan and Aztec drums and flutes, turtle shell drums, rainsticks, log drums, rattles, gourds.

Xavier has spent most of his life constructing and playing these instruments . He says "All that I do comes from a spirit within me, music is a live representation of nature . In looking at my cultural roots and musioots , I realize music crosses all barriers! It was at this time that I decided to form a group and name it America Indigena. The group is composed of people who share my musical sentiments". During their travels of concerts and ceremonies they interpret the authentic music of the Mayans , Aztecs , Tarahumaras , Yaquis , Tepehuans and Huicholes . Xavier also sings in Tarahumara and his native Huichol and Nahuatl Languages . They perform magical rituals that captivate the audience providing an unforgettable experience to their audiences as their music is said to cure the soul and spirit . "The concerts are not just for entertainment . I give them a special message with serious significance" he says . "Through them I express the origin and true meaning that exists in that "hidden" world unknown to the generations of our times - this is an ancient music for new generation . I hope that with my music I am able to bring you at least a little of the force of our ancestors , and I hope to captivate your soul and your spirit!"