Mary & Gerard Calabaza

Pronounced kah-lah-BAH-sah

SANTO DOMINGO PUEBLO

Mary and Gerard Calabaza are second generation jewelers from Santo Domingo Pueblo, also known as Kewa Pueblo, who carry forward a centuries old tradition of hand crafted heishi. Both began learning the art at a young age under the guidance of their parents, and their work reflects a deep sense of lineage as well as skill. Heishi, meaning “shell” in the Keres language, is a traditional Pueblo art form made by hand cutting, drilling, shaping, and polishing tiny beads from natural materials like shell and turquoise, then stringing them into seamless strands. Each necklace can contain hundreds of individually crafted beads, making the process incredibly meticulous and time intensive. In their studio, Gerard focuses on cutting and preparing materials while Mary strings and finishes each piece, working together in a natural rhythm of collaboration. Their tradition continues through their sons, who are learning different aspects of the craft, ensuring it carries into the next generation. Every piece is made with intention and blessed, with the hope that it brings happiness, health, and good spirit to the person who wears it.