In the heart of New Mexico, nestled along the Rio Grande, is a geographic region that provides a historic supply of turquoise and a traditional West Coast trading route accessible to the Santo Domingo Pueblo, known today as Kewa Pueblo.
for its exquisite jewelry, characterized by finely cut beadwork and vibrant inlays. For centuries, the artisans of Santo Domingo have passed down their craft, creating pieces that are both aesthetically stunning and deeply symbolic.
people have always been makers of jewelry in a style that has remained virtually unchanged for fifteen hundred years. They are known throughout the Southwest as travelers and traders who sell turquoise and shell jewelry at fairs, powwows and ceremonial gatherings.
often mixing turquoise with classic olive shell or white clamshell or the purples of sugilite with the reds and blues of coral and lapis lazuli. They grind the nuggets or shells using modern tools or in the old style, drilling holes with pump drills and shaping beads with sandstone slabs.
to resemble corn kernels which has paramount significance as a food source. No matter the technique, all jewelers begin from scratch shaping whole shells or rough stone from which they slice hundreds of pieces. They often finish necklaces with traditional “squaw wrap”, a method of intertwining the ends of all the strands and wrapping them tightly with cotton so as not to break or unravel.
with different tasks allocated to each member. This division of labor allows them time for their other farming and family duties. One may do the initial cutting and final grinding of beads; another the drilling and stringing of beads; and yet another the final polishing of the necklace.
in Santo Domingo jewelry, some artists work almost exclusively in coral, not indigenous to West Coast waters but imported by the Spanish and not until the 1930s was it used in jewelry. It became popular because of its scarceness and is a sign of prestige and wealth.
has become a custodian of this legacy, offering authentic Santo Domingo pieces to discerning patrons. Today, artisans like Calvin and Pilar Lovato and others, carry forward this rich tradition. Their highly respected heishi work seamlessly blends ancestral techniques with modern aesthetics, creating jewelry that resonates with both historical depth and contemporary flair.
patrons not only acquire beautiful pieces, but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of a vibrant cultural heritage. The jewelry of the Santo Domingo Pueblo is more than adornment; it’s a living testament to a people’s enduring spirit and creative genius.
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