The Zuni Man-Woman [SOLD]

The Zuni Man-Woman

by Will Roscoe

University of New Mexico Press

Hardback, first edition 1991, new in shrink wrap, 328 pages, 28 halftones, 1 map, 2 tables

The Zuni Man - Woman focuses on the life of We'wha, perhaps the most famous berdache (an individual who combined the work and traits of both men and women) in American history. Through We'wha's exceptional life, historian Will Roscoe creates a vivid picture of an alternative gender role whose history has been hidden and almost forgotten.

The account of We'wha is followed by a fascinating look at Zuni concepts of gender and sexuality and the religious and mythological dimensions of the berdache role.

In 1886, We'wha was part of the Zuni delegation to Washington D.C.. They were hosted by anthropologist Matilda Coxe Stevenson and, during that visit, We'wha met President Grover Cleveland.  While We'wha is historically known mainly as a lhamana, as a notable fiber artist, weaver and potter, We'wha was also a prominent cultural ambassador for Native Americans in general, and the Zuni in particular.  During this era, We'wha came in contact with many European-American settlers, teachers, soldiers, missionaries, and anthropologists.

We'wha's friendship with Matilda Coxe Stevenson would lead to much material on the Zuni being published.  Stevenson wrote down her observations of We'wha, such as, "She performs masculine religious and judicial functions at the same time that she performs feminine duties, tending to laundry and the garden" and referred to We'wha as "the most intelligent person in the pueblo. Strong character made his word law among both men and women with whom he associated. Though his wrath was dreaded by men as well as women, he was loved by all children, to whom he was ever kind."   We'wha lived life in the role and dress usually associated with men in Zuni culture, and part in roles associated with women.