heterogeneoushomosexual:Demian DinéYazhi’Untitled (For We'Wha), 2014We’Wha (1849-1896)Zuni Lhamana“W

heterogeneoushomosexual:Demian DinéYazhi’Untitled (For We'Wha), 2014We’Wha (1849-1896)Zuni Lhamana“We’wha (pronounced WAY-wah), an Indigenous Zuni whose life was one of advocacy for their tribe and artistry in their craft. Some would refer to We’wha as Two-Spirit, a term that generally describes Indigenous people who inhabit non-normative or multiple gender roles. This term was established by the Indigenous Lesbian and Gay International Gathering in 1990 in an effort to reclaim gender diversity and replace the derogatory term “berdache”, which was used by colonizers to shame gender gradience. Not every tribe recognizes Two-Spirit people, nor do communities all have the same traditions, terms, or roles for Two-Spirit people. More over, not every Indigenous person inhabiting gender gradiency, Trans identity, or Queerness as a radical politic art, chooses to identify as Two-Spirit. First and foremost, We’wha was a Lhamana (LHA-mana), the term used by Zunis to refer to male-bodied people who are ‘like a woman.’Born in 1849 to the Zuni Pueblo, where Lhamanas were highly respected, We’wha was trained in the traditionally female crafts of weaving and pottery. We’wha’s talent in the arts was well known and valued in their community and beyond, as was their gift for spiritual leadership. Learning english at an early age allowed We’wha to make connections with visitors to the region and educate them about Zuni traditions—quickly making We’wha an ambassador. As a representative of the Zuni tribe, We’wha was the first Zuni to travel to Washington, DC, in the 1880s, where they met with diplomats, congressmen, and President Grover Cleveland.It is clear from newspaper articles at the time and stories of We’wha’s travels that folks in DC were instantly smitten with We’wha but apparently unaware of their Lhamana identity. During the several months We’wha spent in the city, We’wha gave a weaving presentation at the Smithsonian, participated in a show at the National Theater, and befriended Speaker of the House John G. Carlisle. In spite of We’wha’s popularity, their intention was to educate leaders about the Zuni tribe and debunk myths about Zunis and other Indigenous peoples in a culture that encouraged (and continues to encourage) cultural assimilation.We’wha’s art was celebrated from Zuni Pueblo to DC and played a central role in helping Native American Art gain recognition in the fine arts world. Despite an unjust arrest and month-long imprisonment for defending the Pueblo’s governor against authorities during a conflict in 1892, We’wha continued to educate anthropologists and represent the Zuni tribe with pride.We’wha died in 1896, but the legacy of their extraordinary life remains one of community advocacy, cultural exchange, and artistry.”__________________________________________. -- source link
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