I am Xeiti Aon Coaybay/
Opiyelguobiran, a descendant of the Taino People of the Caribbean Basin, born
in Meriden, Conn. Throughout my entire life, I have always had an interest in
all aspects of Native American culture, but never the talent or the ability to
do anything about it; though as I got older I did dabble in leather and some drawing.
In 1978, a change occurred
in my life. I began to experience dreams in which I would be shown and gifted
objects of Ceremony and Regalia; drums and drumsticks, shields, headdresses and
clothing. Upon awakening, I would know how and from what to make them. Often I
would start immediately, becoming so absorbed that I sometimes found myself holding
the finished piece in my hand, not know how I had done it.
I also began to draw in
earnest, doing portraits of the People from all over the Americas. Those portraits
that I attempted are those that "draw me to them." Their eyes speak
to me and it almost seems to be a recognition fact, as though we had been friends
before and I needed to see them again.
Sandpainting came into
play as a form of therapy to help me regain the use of my hands after my accident.
At first, the Sandpainting art form did not really appeal to me, but upon completion
of the first two pieces, I saw that the combination of sand and slate was beautiful.
I began to seek out designs of the indigenous people of the Americas, in an effort
to experiment with the sand. One thing led to another, and before I knew what
was happening, sandpainting became my primary form of expression. I then immersed
myself into any form of literature concerning all Native American peoples so that
I could come to a better understanding of the symbolism and spiritual content
concerning whatever I was creating; and so as to become better acquainted with
the individuals whose portraits I was attempting.
In the late 1980s, I was
fortunate enough to meet the members of the drum group, the Arawak Mountain Singers,
whose members are all of Taino/Arawak descent. Through their love and generosity,
I was gifted with many, varied aspects of our culture that were previously unknown
to me. We began a mutual series of exchanges that has lead me to focus my work
on my own traditions. Because of the necessity to fully explain and share my culture
through my work, I had to thoroughly research everything I could find concerning
our people, our language, religious beliefs, social and economic lifestyles, agriculture,
hunting and fishing techniques, history, and above all personal genealogy. Through
this research, and because of personal revelation and the need to fully explore
my culture, I have expanded the scope of my work to include the creation of traditionally-styled
Taino regalia, pottery styles, gourd vessels and instruments, hand-carved log
drums (Mayohuacans), clay drums and reproductions of Taino weapons.
As an artist and craftsperson,
Taino culture in the broad context is my inspiration and intent. The spirituality
inherent in all Taino art, is the driving force behind my work. Inspiration comes
to me through many vehicles, my Taino heritage, our family life, the Creator's
bounty, the traditional lifestyles of the Peoples of the Caribbean, and my own
increasing awareness of spirituality.
Paramount in my work is
the inherent symbolism of Taino spirituality. The belief that "all things
are connected." Spirituality and physicality is a way of thought that united
all Native Peoples. It is within this mystical, spirituality and physical plane
that the Tainos existed. This belief was paramount in the creation of individual
artistic expression for Taino people. Every object, whether ceremonial or utilitarian,
was imbued with the spiritual power of the Cemi that dwell within. Thus, whether
the final product was of stone, bone, wood, shell, clay, gold, vegetal or any
combination of these materials, it contained the living spirit of its original
form as was treated and used as a relative, with respect, honor and love.
The outstanding diversity
of style, as well as the amazing quantity of pieces (just the ones that survived!)
can only be explained through the understanding that the creative process and
its manifestation was, and is for the Taino, and individual's unique and personal
insight into the realm of spirituality, nature and ritual ceremonialism.
In the pursuance of my
art, I use traditional and contemporary methods and materials to produce what
I think is a true blend of past and present, a blend of cultures and Peoples.
My work reflects personal pride in my traditions and a course of personal spiritual
growth which I have consciously undertaken; not a day goes by that I do not apply
myself to the continuation of my craft.
My work is who and what
I am; and as long as I am able, it is my fervent hope that through my efforts,
I honor the Creator, Mother Earth and all the Ancestors for the gifts bestowed
upon me and my family.
for more information on Xeiti, go to this website: http://www.conexus.si.edu/gonzalez_m/?pos=99999
