Offering bundles are a feature often seen on Zuni animal carvings consisting of minerals and shells tied to the main carving. Sometimes offering bundles are an aesthetic and creative choice, a gift of gratitude from the carver to the spirit of the animal for the medicine that animal has to teach. The gifts are represented in different ways, sometimes a carved arrowhead, a decorative inlay or even a little offering necklace as seen on Cheryl Beyuka's Silverado jet feathered friend. This songbird (perhaps a Raven or crow) has coral eyes and an exquisite offering necklace from fresh water pearl, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and jet beads. Silverado jet is a mineraloid with pyrite inclusions giving it an alluring lustrous quality and a unique place in the jet family. Jet is a compact fossilized black coal. About 4 1/2" long, 2" wide and 2 1/8" tall.

During this festive season, Ray Tsalate's wonderful whimsical monsters have warmed the cockles of our hearts and hopefully yours too. Last but not least in the unique collection comes a drooling baby monster whose first tooth from gold lip shell erupts. Precious horns are from black lip shell set off by burnished bushy eyebrows. Each eye is adorably different, one is from malachite, gold lip shell and black lip shell, while the other one is from turquoise and gold lip shell. Incised fur is filled with jet paste. Baby monster sculpted from antler measures about 2" tall, 1 3/4" wide and 1 5/8" deep.

An etched-eyed Hawk will soon head to a nearby hillside. The bank's cool air deflects upwards giving a nice lift in flight to the raptor's day. Carved from found stone, Salvador Romero's bird wears an offering necklace secured with a gorgeous slice of iridescent abalone. He hikes no more than 5 miles out from his Cochiti Pueblo home to rock hunt. He said he knows right away when he's found one to carve because a certain feeling comes to him. About 6 1/2" long, 5/8" wide and 3 1/8" tall.

At the age of 8 years old, self-taught artist Clive Hustito began his carving career. On a recent visit to our Keshi gallery, he shared an intriguing story with us. When asked what was the first carving he'd made and sold as an artist, he said: "The first crude carving I made was a white Wolf. With energy and the prayer, “May you find a good person,” I took it to a gallery. I only had one. The gallery bought it and then a lady bought it and took it to her home in California. One day there was a lightning storm outside her house while she was inside talking on the phone. She was holding the phone in one hand, and the white wolf I carved in the other. The lightning struck her house and went through the phone line, and right through her body, and the white wolf in her hand exploded. It saved her life."

Clive's latest offering is a contemplative roadrunner carved from Picasso marble to a size of approximately 2 3/8" long, 5/8" wide and 1 7/8" tall. Softly etched plumage, a nice crest and turquoise eyes trim this intelligent and fearless bird of the desert.

If we give animacy to creation we in turn see the natural world as having value and deserving of respect. Creatures like Foxes and other wild canines are revered by Indigenous cultures. In Japanese tradition, Kitsune are foxes that possess powerful abilities that grow as they get older and wiser. These fox spirits have the ability to shapeshift too. Pansy Natachu's rich dolomite fox features colorful mosaic inlays from gold lip shell, jet, turquoise, lapis and spiny oyster shell. The handsome arrowhead shaped inlay on the back region serves as an offering. About 2 3/8" long, 1/2" wide and 7/8" tall.

The most stunning stones have been thrown about by the wind, washed by the water and naturally polished through life's roughest storms. The late Elroy Pablito's old-style Mountain-lion (puma, panther or cougar) with turquoise eyes is carved from picture jasper that celebrates a simple beauty only Mother Earth could create. The ancient tawny hues suit this approximately 2 5/8" long, 1/2" wide and 3/4" tall smooth feline well. Elroy's lovely work is noted on page 58 in Kent McManis' Zuni Fetishes & Carvings book which is available and sold separately here.

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KESHi Gift Certificate 

Give the gift of choice with a KESHi electronic gift certificate. KESHi online electronic gift certificates are available for purchase via our website. Certificates are issued via email to the purchaser with a gift certificate code, and the recipient can use the code at website checkout. Our electronic gift certificate have no processing fees, no expiration dates, and can be used only on our website. Please call the Keshi Web Office for additional information or assistance at 505-795-7119.

KESHi In-Store Gift Certificate 

KESHi in-store gift certificates are available by calling our gallery at 505-989-8728. They can be purchased in any amount, and either mailed to you or your recipient, or picked up locally at our gallery. 

For the A:Shiwi (The People) corn is called the Mother as it's a primary crop emerging from sacred Mother Earth. Zuni jeweler Tracey Bowekaty shares that corn is used in "many ways, in cooking, to make Tamales, and in ceremony." Elegantly carved, these tiered turquoise, gold lip shell and spiny oyster shell corn earrings for pierced ears will make a subtle yet lasting impression. Set into sterling silver with colorful inlays from lapis, coral, malachite, alunite and jet, these medium-weight earrings including hooks measure about 3 1/4" long, 1/2" wide and 1/8" deep. Signed by the artist who started making corn jewelry when her first son was born in 1992.

In Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula, the Count has supernatural shapeshifting abilities including the power to turn into a bat, among other life forms. Zuni artist Lewis Malie honors the acrobatic flier Bat in a towering carving from antler. Graceful forms are frozen in flight. Big ears, drilled eyes, furry-etched bodies, mighty webbed wings and sensitive snouts assist these beneficial nighttime pollinators. How many bats can you count? AH! AH! AH! AH! About 7" tall, 3" wide and 3 7/8" deep.

A delightful Dalmatian dog's warm personality and playful nature are conveyed in an exquisite antler carving by Ruben Najera who has an eye for detail. Pretty spots and eyes are from perhaps ink or paint pigments. Bright Dalmatian puppies are born with white fur and no spots until around 4 weeks of age when they start to show. Their breed is pretty old. Spotted dogs are depicted on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs, running alongside chariots. In our day, Dalmatians are associated with firehouses, as mascot companions. Dimensions of this treasure in its entirety are about 2" tall, 1" wide and 1 3/4" deep.

Sugilite was first noted in 1944 by Japanese petrologist Ken-Ichi Sugi. He found sugilite on the Iwagi islet in the south west of Japan so the naming of the mineral was to honor him. Sugilite was also found in the Wessels Mine in South Africa in 1979, the known reserves from this mine are spent. The mineral has also been noted in India, Italy, Australia and Canada.

A drool-worthy pendant by Jolene Eustace is composed from carved sugilite and Nevada turquoise, which is a general term for high-quality turquoise sourced from different mines around the state of Nevada. Reticulated sterling silver and 18K gold ball embellishments add an additional richness to this approximately 2 5/8" long and 1 1/8" wide pendant. Signed by the artist.

Bart Gasper, Jr.'s A:tchia' la to pa Knifewing katsina doll has been masterfully carved from traditional cottonwood root. We're astonished by his mastery in wood carving, including painting and pyrogravure artistry. Knifewing is a sacred guardian for the A:Shiwi (The People). Knifewing is brother to Rainbowman who is a Bringer of Rain. Powerful wings, necklace and feathered headdress adorn Knifewing who protects from above, while a Zuni Sunface represents a balance of the elements. Other exquisite features include Mother Earth's bounty: a vibrant blooming flower, corn, important water creatures like Frog and Dragonfly, perhaps turkey tracks and Deer. Carefully applied vivid acrylic paints dance with color. Including base, measurements are about 13 1/4" tall, 4" wide and 8 3/4" deep. Signed by the artist.

Education is critical in raising awareness in protecting magnificent gorillas and other great apes. They have suffered severe population declines because of poaching, logging, habitat loss, mining, political conflicts, the pet trade, exposure to disease and the effects of climate change. Herbert Halate's gorilla has been carved from naturally fragrant cedar. Gentle eyes are from turquoise inlays while little nostrils are drilled. Gorillas possess great upper body strength with arms longer and more muscular than their legs. They are larger than any other living primate. Crucial in spreading biodiversity, powerfully intelligent gorillas wander large territories, depositing seeds from the fruits and plants they eat. Approximately 4 1/2" tall, 2 3/8" wide and 1 5/8" deep.

In the waters of Southeast Asia, a unique colorful fish swims. It's famous for large lips or a protrusible mouth which is used for non-feeding activities like defending territory. Interestingly, they can make sounds to other kissing fish through the movement of their teeth. Perhaps Cheryl Beyuka's jet-eyed water creature is a kissing gourami doing its thing carved from upcycled surfite from surfboard manufacturing. About 1 3/4" long, 1/2" wide and 1" tall.

A gentle doe has been sculpted from a beautiful magnesite by Kenric Laiwakete. Eyes and an alternating heartline or breath path are from lovely turquoise inlays. Deer (Na’le) medicine is about being aware of our surroundings, present as they are in nature. For the A:Shiwi (The People), traditional oral stories include deer and can be found in The Zunis Self-Portrayals book by The Zuni People translated by Alvina Quam, copyright 1972. The recorded tales share fables of moral instruction regarding deer with titles like "Sacred Way to Hunt Deer" and "Henry Hunting Deer". This great publication is available and sold separately here. The wonderful doe's measurements are approximately 3 1/4" long, 3/4" wide and 2" tall.

Among the shallow coral reefs in the South China sea, a sponge coral called Melithaea Ochracea grows. This gift from Mother Earth is popular in the jewelry industry because it is affordable, grows quickly and is believed to be sustainable. Porous in nature, the coral must be stabilized, as in filled with resin or epoxy to be used in jewelry and carving. Kateri Quandelacy Sanchez's Tablita Corn-Maiden is sculpted from a vibrant apple coral. A tablita is a traditional headdress worn during ceremonial dances. She's adorned with etched corn and facial features are from overlaid gold lip shell, incised and filled with jet paste. Dragonflies and star elements decorate this approximately 2 1/4" tall, 7/8" wide and 5/8" deep wonderful piece.

Accomplished painter Anthony Gchachu has been creating art since grade school. He descends from a long line of Zuni potters and jewelers. During high school, he was commissioned to paint Elmo by one of his teachers. He even designed the school's library card. These days, fatherhood finds Anthony mentoring little Annarose, his precious 19-month old daughter. She has a miniature painting station right next to dad where she's finding her own voice in the medium her dad loves so much.

"Sacred Pathway Blessing" is a magnificent original acrylic depicting Sha'lak'o who is a beloved messenger from the Rain Gods and blanketed men. They are greeted by a mother and daughter Deer and they enjoy each other's presence. Signed by the artist. Framed measurements are about 13 3/8" by 13 3/8" by 1 7/8". Unframed dimensions are approximately 12" by 12". Please click here to meet this original artist.

Fossils formed when minerals in water replaced materials in bones and tissue, creating a replica in stone of the original organism. Fascinating orthoceras lived in prehistoric oceans using long cone-shaped shells designed with jet propulsion to zip around like modern day squid. Bernard Laiwakete's Bear has been sculpted from a fascinating orthoceras specimen. We love the dramatic effect of the fossils carved in relief, which creates an awesome three-dimensionality where the orthoceras appear to rise to life from the surface. Bear's discerning eyes and an alternating heartline or breath path are from sky blue turquoise inlays. Approximately 4 5/8" long, 1" wide and 2" tall.

Nutria rock is a found stone from the Nutria area of the Zuni Pueblo reservation. It can be either travertine, limestone, agate or jasper. Fred Bowannie, Jr.'s furry upright Bear with pen shell eyes is accompanied by a darling feathered friend from spiny oyster shell. The little bird with etched eyes and a tiny beak from pen shell whispers secrets to the attentive bear. The rich chocolate hues are stunning and the naturally occurring hematite in the Nutria rock gives the piece gives a nice weight. About 5 1/4" tall, 2" wide and 1 7/8" deep.

Stewart Quandelacy and Priscilla Lasiloo Quandelacy's Medicine-Bears hold special meaning because they're carved with arched backs meant to represent the entrance to the cave or den where in nature Bears torpor to heal and get strong. Having a carving like this marble one will help you remember to stop, rest and recuperate. The stone is smooth and nicely weighty. Wisdom-filled eyes and an alternating heartline or breath path are from turquoise inlays. About 2 7/8" long, 1/2" wide and 2 5/8" tall.

Master jeweler April Unkestine creates high-quality works of wearable art with beautiful meaning such as this exquisitely handmade sterling silver, jet, iridescent mother-of-pearl, bright coral and sky blue turquoise inlaid Zuni Sunface pin/pendant. This sacred and traditional symbol represents the elements in balance. Measurements are approximately 2 1/2" long and 2 1/2" wide. Signed by the artist. Please click here to read about wonderful Zuni jewelry.

Stewart Quandelacy and Priscilla Lasiloo Quandelacy's Medicine-bear is purposely rounded to resemble the den or cave entrance where a Bear survives the lean months resting in torpor. This sets a good example for us to stop and take care of ourselves too. Carved from refreshing chrysocolla, measurements are about 2 1/4" long, 3/8" wide and 1 7/8" tall. Eyes are from jet inlays, while an alternating heartline or breath path is set with lovely turquoise.

Zuni jeweler Carey Chapito's handmade sterling silver and luxurious Kingman turquoise cuff bracelet is spectacular. The design is freshly presented in the stone to stone method. Arizona is home to the Kingman Turquoise Mine which is one of the oldest and highest producing turquoise mines in the United States. Twisted silver borders add a complimentary beauty to the Kingman turquoise stones that are beautifully set side by side in this approximately 1/2" wide work of wearable art. Comfortable on the wrist, this gorgeous cuff bracelet has an entire inner circumference of approximately 6 3/8" which includes the opening of about 1 3/8". Signed by the artist. Please click here for assistance in determining wrist size. This link will take you to a fascinating write up about stunning Zuni jewelry.

Naturally curvy and iridescent smoky mother-of-pearl shell has been carved into a powerful Medicine-bear with jet inlaid eyes, accompanied by two Corn-Maiden sisters. Dancing Dragonflies dwell among etched stars as day turns to night. The Maiden's faces are from overlaid gold lip shell, incised and filled with ground jet paste. Corn adorns their bodies including lovely red coral inlays. About 2 3/8" long, 1/2" wide and 2 1/8" tall, by Kateri Quandelacy Sanchez.

Writer Edgar Allan Poe's 1845 poem "The Raven" could be a reason for the raven's association with sorrow and darkness in American culture. Indigenous Peoples respect bright Ravens or crows for their exceptional intelligence and light-bringing ways weaving stories of them in oral traditions that have been passed down since the beginning. Douglas Martza's turquoise-eyed alert corvid has been sculpted from marble. Plumage is enhanced with intricate incising and a pointy beak has etched nares. An offering bundle from turquoise, red coral and sparkle brown goldstone represents gratitude for raven's many gifts. About 2 1/2" long, 3/4" wide and 1 5/8" tall.

Fall in love with the magic of Dragonfly in Smokey Gchachu's handmade sterling silver, Emerald Valley turquoise from Nevada, and angel skin coral dragonfly pin/pendant necklace. Exquisite bezel work enhances the turquoise and coral's natural beauty. The eyes and tail tip are finished with the angel skin coral cabochons. Dimensions of the removable dragonfly pin/pendant are about 2 3/4" long with bale and 1 5/8" wide. The hand woven silky sterling silver chain is approximately 21" long. A wonderful 2-piece set. Signed by the artist

White Bears represent healing for the A:Shiwi (The People). Around the rainforest coast of British Colombia, a subspecies of black bears called Kermode bears have rare white or creamy-fur. Sacred brothers to Indigenous Peoples, they are called Spirit Bears. They kept the bears a secret to protect them from fur traders. Benina Kallestewa's cultured opal-eyed bear is sculpted from marble. About 2 1/4" long, 1 1/4" wide and 2" tall.

An impassioned owlet thinks that just because it makes spooky sounds like hoots, shrieks and eerie wails doesn't mean it is a harbinger of death and darkness. For the A:Shiwi (The People) owls are held in high esteem as Night Grandfathers watching over everyone. Building a social awareness against superstitions will help in protecting owls now and into the future. Kateri Quandelacy Sanchez's precious nocturnal Owlet carved from peacock ore pyrite has piercing eyes from jet in iridescent mother-of-pearl and ruffled plumage. About 2 1/8" tall, 1" wide and 1 1/8" deep.