Hopi Bow Guard or Ketoh with Mosaic Turquoise

Hopi / Navajo

Circa 1930 | Silver, Turquoise, Commercial Hide | Item 2536

This is a striking ketoh that originally came out of Hopi. The centerpiece is an elongated triangle topped on each end with regular triangles, all done with mosaic turquoise (could be called channel work, but there is no separation of the turquoise with silver borders, except for the outside edge). Repousse is used to create the four elongated petals coming from the center line. The border is stamped all the way around. The ketoh is attached to a piece of commercial hide that is likely not as old as the ketoh. The hide is soft and very wearable.