Santo Domingo

Kewa Pueblo — long known by its Spanish name, Santo Domingo — is the heartland of heishi, the hand-rolled shell and stone beads that are among the oldest forms of adornment in the Southwest. Strands of fine heishi, graduated and polished by hand, remain the signature of the pueblo's makers.

During the lean years of the Great Depression, Kewa artists became known for mosaic inlay laid over shell and reclaimed materials — the tab and "thunderbird" necklaces now prized by collectors. Turquoise, spiny oyster, and jet supply the warm, earthen palette.