The Zuni Man-woman [HOT - 2027]

: Far from being marginalized, lhamana often held honored positions in the community. Their unique status allowed them to serve as mediators, spiritual leaders, and keepers of cultural knowledge.

The primary feature of the , known traditionally as the lhamana , is the specialized integration of both male and female social, economic, and ceremonial roles into a recognized third gender status within Zuni culture. Defining Features of the Lhamana The Zuni man-woman

: They were highly valued for their ability to master the tasks of both genders. For instance, We'wha , the most famous lhamana , was a celebrated weaver (traditionally a male task) and an expert potter (traditionally a female task). : Far from being marginalized, lhamana often held