Why might a man in traditional Kwakwaka'wakw society designate a part of a son's or his own body as female and marry it to another man?

Answer 1

In traditional Kwakwaka'wakw society, a man might designate a part of his own body or his son's as female to acknowledge and embody the cultural significance of gender fluidity and transformation. This act can serve to strengthen social bonds, establish alliances, or fulfill spiritual beliefs, as such practices are often tied to rituals or ceremonies that reflect the community’s values regarding gender and identity. Marrying a body part to another man can symbolize the interconnectedness of relationships and the importance of kinship in their society. These practices highlight the complex understanding of gender roles beyond binary classifications.