“Keshi: the Zuni Connection” (known simply as Keshi) is a direct retail outlet based in Santa Fe that operates on fair trade principles. Keshi buys directly from Zuni artists; maintaining positive relationships with carvers, jewelers, and potters and acting as their advocate in the marketplace; always returning the lion’s share of proceeds and as much value as possible from sales to the Zuni artists who created that value. Over its 45-year history, the store’s operations have returned over $10 million directly to the Zuni community through its art-focused economy.

In 2016, we at Keshi, the Zuni Connection were profoundly inspired by the Zuni artists we represent to create The Keshi Foundation (TKF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Our for-profit venue provided the seed money to start the non-profit Foundation, and Keshi continues to support TKF and TKF’s projects based in Gallup, the  Museum of Zuni Art (MoZA) and MoZA’s museum shop, The Zuni Artist Resource Team (Z-ART) through direct funds, advisement, and market access.

“Fetishes” is a term anthropologists imposed on all Zuni carvings. While many still use that term, the current preferred Zuni usage is “carving,” with the term “fetish” reserved for only those carvings which are part of Zuni religious rituals. Neither The Keshi Foundation nor Keshi: the Zuni Connection offers such ritual fetishes for sale.

The Keshi Foundation’s Museum of Zuni Art (MoZA) and the Museum’s store (Z-ART) are at 112 West Coal Ave, Gallup, NM.

The Foundation operates virtually, with no fixed office. Mail for the Foundation should be directed to The Keshi Foundation, 227 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

You can reach us anytime via our contact page or through email at info@ thekeshifoundation.org.