The Tiwa, also known as Tewa, are an indigenous group of people living in the Pueblos of New Mexico in the United States. They have a rich cultural heritage and have contributed significantly to the arts, literature, and politics. Here is a list of top 10 famous people from the Tiwa ethnic group:
- Maria Tallchief – The first Native American to become a prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief was born to a Tiwa father and an Irish-Scottish mother.
- Leslie Marmon Silko – A renowned author and poet, Silko is known for works such as “Ceremony” and “Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit.” She has won several awards for her contribution to Native American literature.
- Joseph Pecos – Pecos was a well-known Tiwa leader who played a significant role in the revitalization of indigenous culture and spirituality in New Mexico.
- Pablita Velarde – A talented artist, Velarde was known for her traditional Native American paintings that depicted scenes from Tiwa culture and history.
- Alfonso Ortiz – An anthropologist and scholar, Ortiz made significant contributions to the study of Native American cultures, particularly the Tiwa people.
- Patricia Michaels – A fashion designer and educator, Michaels gained recognition as a finalist in the reality show “Project Runway” and for her unique blend of Tiwa and contemporary fashion.
- Ralph D. Jemez Jr. – Jemez was a respected Tiwa leader and historian who worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of his people.
- Paula Gunn Allen – An influential writer and scholar, Gunn Allen wrote extensively about Native American literature, feminism, and spirituality.
- Po Pay – Po Pay was a Tiwa war leader who played a crucial role in leading the Pueblo Revolt against Spanish colonization in the 17th century.
- Simon Ortiz – A poet, fiction writer, and scholar, Ortiz is known for his powerful works that explore the experiences of Native Americans, including the Tiwa people.
This is just a glimpse of the many talented and influential individuals from the Tiwa ethnic group. Their contributions in various fields continue to inspire and educate people about the rich cultural heritage of the Tiwa people.
Most Famous Tiwa Celebrities
Tiwa is a tribe in the northeastern region of India, particularly in the state of Assam. The Tiwa people have their own distinct culture and traditions. Over the years, several individuals from Tiwa roots have gained fame in various fields, including the entertainment industry. Here are some famous celebrities from Tiwa roots:
- Hima Das: Hima Das is an Indian sprinter who hails from the Tiwa tribe in Assam. She is known as the “Dhing Express” and has won several medals for India in international athletic events. Hima Das became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in a track event at the IAAF World U20 Championships in 2018.
- Joi Barua: Joi Barua is a well-known singer and music composer from Assam, who also belongs to the Tiwa community. He has sung in various languages, including Assamese, Hindi, and English. Joi Barua is known for his soulful voice and has worked on several Bollywood film soundtracks.
- Jayanta Hazarika: Jayanta Hazarika was a renowned film actor and musician from Assam. He belonged to the Tiwa community and was known for his contributions to Assamese cinema. Jayanta Hazarika was acclaimed for his performances in movies like “Chameli Memsaab” and “Maram Trishna.”
- Sabitri Heisnam: Sabitri Heisnam is a prominent theater artist and director from Manipur, which has a significant Tiwa population. She has contributed immensely to the promotion of Manipuri theater and has been honored with several awards for her achievements in the field.
These individuals have not only brought recognition and pride to the Tiwa community but have also made significant contributions to their respective fields. They serve as an inspiration for aspiring artists and athletes from Tiwa roots, proving that talent knows no boundaries.
Above is the list of celebrities with Tiwa heritage. For more comprehensive information about current celebrity issues and other famous personalities, feel free to visit the website about The Most Famous People.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Tiwa People
| Demographic | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| Region | Assam, India |
| Language | Tiwa language |
| Religion | Mainly Hinduism |
| Occupation | Agriculture & Handicrafts |
References to the Tiwa Ethnic Group
Here are some references to dig deeper about the Tiwa ethnic group:
- Wikipedia – Tiwa people
- EveryCulture – Tiwa
- JSTOR – The Tiwa People of Assam: Some Observations on Their Social Organization
- Village Politics and the Dynamics of Land Conflict: Tiwa Tribes in Assam Province of India – Book by Manjeet Baruah
- Folk culture of the Tiwa – Book by Joya Darlong
If you’d like to delve deeper into about the famous people of Tiwa, we encourage you to utilize our search feature in KOBI International or visit the official websites and references for accessing relevant materials.
