Place guide
Kewa Pueblo
A large Keresan pueblo known for Heishi jewelry.
📍GPS: 35.513762, -106.365716
Kewa Pueblo (Formerly Santo Domingo Pueblo)
Renamed from Santo Domingo Pueblo in 2009, Kewa Pueblo is one of New Mexico’s largest pueblo communities. Kewa is internationally known for its handcrafted heishi jewelry, a traditional art form that has been practiced for centuries. Unlike many New Mexico pueblos, Kewa has chosen not to develop a casino, placing a strong emphasis on preserving its traditions and community.
Santo Domingo Trading Post
The Santo Domingo Trading Post is a historic Route 66 trading post near Kewa Pueblo, built in 1922. It served both tourists and Kewa residents until 1995, but was badly damaged by fire in 2001 and has since been undergoing major restoration. It is currently closed to the public, though photographing the building is allowed.
Heishi Jewelry
Heishi jewelry consists of numerous hand-cut beads made from shells, turquoise, coral, or other natural stones. Each bead is individually shaped, drilled, and polished before being strung together into smooth necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The craft originated at Kewa Pueblo and remains one of the its most celebrated artistic traditions of the community.
Feast Days & Public Ceremonies
Some events may be open to visitors, while others are private, restricted to community members, or closed without notice. Access, schedules, and photography rules can change, so visitors should confirm directly with the Pueblo before attending.
- Easter Sunday — Easter dances
- June 29 — San Pedro/St. Peter’s Feast Day and corn dance
- August 4 — St. Dominic Annual Feast Day and corn dances
- Labor Day Weekend — Santo Domingo Annual Arts & Crafts Market
- December 24–28 — Christmas dances; times and locations vary
Visiting Respectfully
New Mexico’s pueblos are living communities, not museums. They are sovereign tribal nations with their own governments, laws, and traditions. When visiting, remember that you are a guest on tribal land.
- Obey all posted signs and respect areas marked as private or off-limits.
- Do not photograph people, homes, religious activities, or ceremonies without permission.
- During dances and ceremonies, remain quiet and avoid crossing ceremonial areas.
- Do not remove pottery shards, artifacts, plants, or other objects from pueblo lands (you will be cursed).
- Observe all posted speed limits and traffic laws. Going 5 mph over can get you a ticket.
Nearby places
Cochiti Pueblo
A Pueblo known for storyteller pottery and the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks
San Felipe Pueblo
A Keresan pueblo known for its Green Corn Dance held every May 1st.
Madrid
A funky old coal-mining ghost town turned arts village along the Turquoise Trail.