In Honor of Indigenous People’s Day, Rainbow Honor Walk Honors We’wha
In Honor of Indigenous People’s Day, Rainbow Honor Walk Honors We’wha
In honor of Indigenous People’s Day, the Rainbow Honor Walk celebrates the life and legacy of We’wha (c. 1849–1896), a remarkable Zuni artist, spiritual leader, cultural ambassador, and one of the most historically significant Two-Spirit figures in Native American history.
Born around 1849 in what is now New Mexico, We’wha was a lhamana, a traditionally recognized gender role within Zuni society encompassing both masculine and feminine social and ceremonial responsibilities. Respected within the community, We’wha became an accomplished weaver, potter, and keeper of Zuni traditions, helping preserve and share Indigenous cultural knowledge during an era of increasing pressure from European-American settlement and forced assimilation.
In 1886, We’wha achieved national prominence during a visit to Washington, D.C., where they moved among the capital’s social elite, met President Grover Cleveland and First Lady Frances Cleveland, and helped introduce Americans to Zuni art and culture. We’wha also contributed to the Smithsonian’s understanding of Zuni traditions through demonstrations, explanations, and the sharing of cultural artifacts.
We’wha died in 1896, leaving an extraordinary legacy of artistic achievement, cultural preservation, and Indigenous gender diversity. Although the exact dates of We’wha’s birth and death are unknown, their place in history is unmistakable.
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