An Early Navajo Ketoh or Bow Guard, Cast, with Square Turquoise Stone

Navajo

Circa 1920 | Silver, Turquoise, Commercial Hide | Item 2540

This is a beautiful Ketoh. The bold simplicity and the quality of the silver surface make this an exceptional example. The center holds a turquoise stone with a hole in the center, and is two toned with blue on the top two thirds and green on the bottom third. The drilled hole in the stone is typical of reused stones from necklaces or earrings. Silver branches out in six directions from the center stone. On the sides are two sets of elongated leaves that finish in the corners. In the center emanates two large leaves with stamping on them with one resolving at the center top, and the other at the center bottom. The silver cast is attached to the original commercial hide with a loop of hide going to all the connection points. The hide is stiff but wearable.