Page:Homo-sexual Life by William John Fielding (1925).pdf/37

 reports that the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico cultivate so-called "mujerados," of which one is required in every tribe of this group. They plays an important role in the Spring religious festivals—which, from the modern viewpoint, are really orgies—in which pederasty figures prominently. These Saturnalia naturally were guarded with the greatest secrecy from the observation of outsiders.

To cultivate a mujerado, a very powerful man is chosen, and he is induced to masturbate excessively and ride horseback constantly. This combination of activities gradually produces an irritable weakness of the genital organs, resulting in great loss of semen. Paralytic impotence follows this condition of chronic irritability, and finally atrophy of the testicles and penis sets in. This condition is accompanied by characteristic physical changes; the beard falls out, the voice looses its depth and volume and physical strength and energy decrease. The disposition and inclinations become feminine. Thenceforth, the mujerado loses his position in society as a man. He adopts feminine customs and manners, and associates quite exclusively with women. Notwithstanding his effeminization, he is for religious reasons, held in honor. It is probable that at other times of the year than during the festival occasions, he is used by the chiefs for pederasty.

Hammond was privileged to examine two mujerados. One, then thirty-five years of age, had undergone his metamorphosis seven years previously, when he was fully masculine and