Jolene Bird

Jolene Bird (born 1963) is a master lapidary artist and jeweler from the Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo Pueblo) in New Mexico. Celebrated for her exceptional craftsmanship, she seamlessly blends traditional Pueblo motifs with innovative contemporary design. Her journey into authentic Native American jewelry making began under the guidance of her grandfather, who taught her the foundational skills of identifying, selecting, and working with premium natural stones. To further elevate her craft, she refined her technical skills by studying silversmithing at the renowned Poeh Cultural Center (Poeh Institute).

Bird is widely recognized by collectors for her breathtakingly intricate multistone mosaic inlay designs. Showcasing extraordinary precision and dedication to her craft, she meticulously hand-cuts and shapes every individual stone and bead used in her pieces. Her visionary creations extend far beyond traditional handcrafted jewelry; her distinctive mosaic inlay work stunningly adorns pottery, vases, and even a fully functional Gibson guitar, establishing her as a true innovator in the Southwestern art world.

Today, Jolene’s highly collectible art is showcased in prestigious institutions across the country, including the Smithsonian and the Heard Museum, and she is a celebrated participant at the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market. Continuing her family’s rich artistic legacy, she frequently collaborates with her sons, Charles and Loren Bird, who are also accomplished Native American artists. Through her meticulous craftsmanship and boundless creativity, Jolene Bird continues to carry forward and elevate the vibrant artistic traditions of the Kewa Pueblo.