Homage to a q’eqchi’ harpist

Abstract

Francisco Xi' Cau (6/25/1932) was an artist of few words, but with deep and vigorous expression through musical speech. He became an active participant in various processional processions religious, throughout the Verapaces. He was always heard with his unique style of chirimía, leading the processions of San Juan, San Cristóbal and Santo Domingo, accompanied by his grandson on the drum. As a musician and instrument maker, Francisco Xi' Cau was a true promoter of the Q'eqchi' string ensemble until the present century. He was a performer of two instruments: shawm and harp. While many of the harp ensembles began to disappear, Xi' Cau's family continued to cover important community events, not only among the Q'eqchi', but also with the Poqomchí', where the harp tradition has all but disappeared.