Multi-Dimensional (They/Them): We’wha, a Zuni lhamana

A tribute to the Zuni Pueblo, an indigenous people with an agricultural society in western New Mexico. They grow corn, beans, squash, sunflowers and more.

Each year they hold annual harvest festivals and numerous religious ceremonies, including at the winter solstice. At the time of the winter solstice they hold a multi-day celebration, known as the Shalako festival.

The days for the celebration are selected by the religious leaders. The Zuni are intensely private, and most events are not for public viewing. But what is shared with the public is near the end of the ceremony, when six Zuni men dress up and embody the spirit of giant bird deities.

These men carry the Zuni prayers for rain “to all the corners of the earth.” The Zuni deities are believed to provide “blessings” and “balance” for the coming seasons and agricultural year.

We’wha, a Zuni lhamana, a historical person in the Zuni who is also a gender role that combines male and female traits. They were a skilled potter, weaver, cultural ambassador, and were widely admired for their artistic talents and diplomatic skills.