About The Artist
Joe R. Calabaza and his wife Valerie F. Calabaza are artists from Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo Pueblo). Joe was born and raised in Kewa Pueblo by his parents, Joseph F. and Mary Ann Calabaza, who taught him the craft of jewelry making. His great-grandfather, Patricio Calabaza, also played a key role in passing down these skills.
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About the Pueblo
The Santo Domingo Pueblo, also known as Kewa, is a Native American community located in northern New Mexico, near the Rio Grande River. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the pueblo has a history that spans over 1,000 years. The Santo Domingo people are famous for their intricate pottery, vibrant textiles, and unique turquoise and silver jewelry. Their artisans are particularly renowned for creating striking mosaic-style jewelry using tiny pieces of turquoise, coral, and shell. The Santo Domingo Pueblo maintains strong traditions and a deep connection to their ancestral lands, with a focus on community, spirituality, and preserving their culture.