An Early Navajo Ketoh with Commerical Hide

Navajo

Circa 1900 | Silver, Commercial Hide, Turquoise | Item 2370

This is a beautiful and early Navajo ketoh complete with its original commercial hide bracelet. The gauge of the silver is heavy and likely formed from ingot or coin. The center stone is turquoise, likely an imported cabochon with wonderful color and texture. Four leaves radiate out from the stone done is repousse and are then framed with bordering punch marks. The stone is within an oblong circle with radiating lines matching the shape of the stone. The entire ketoh is bordered with a repeating punch that is centered with a dot. The commercial hide shows great use and age. On the side opposite the stone is a five pointed incised star. A strip of hide is used to close and tie the ketoh. The surface of the silver remains untouched with no polishing efforts. I think it best to leave that for the buyer, as once it’s off, it can’t be put back on.