What is Xatu inspired by?

Question

I had a mystical experience recently, and it involved what I later found out was a vision of the Pokemon Xatu. It was flipping from looking left to right with one eye looking at me at a time. I later read that this signified it was looking into the past and future. I am very interested in the origins of this character and if anyone has any insight I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer 1

Xatu seems to be based on a resplendent quetzal with design elements from a Native American totem or kachina. Behaviorally, it displays the ancient art of Sun Gazing, a form of spiritual meditation practiced by the Aztec and Mayan peoples in the belief that it would give them supernatural power; this is referenced by the fact that Xatu is part-Psychic.

Source

It's based off several different things, with main inspirations drawn from Native American totem poles and Sun gazing (hence the blockquote).