Antique Navajo Ketoh, Sterling Silver and Turquoise

Navajo Ketoh - " Old Pawn "

c. 1910-1920

With 13 Green turquoise settings with classic repousse four petal motif.

4" x 3" with 6.75" long leather cuff when fully closed and ties would allow expansion to 8"

Center Turquoise setting 1" x .625"

A particularly strong example.

Originally they were plain thick leather straps. Once silversmithing became a part of Navajo life, ketohs began to be decorated with silver and stones, usually turquoise.

Ketohs were made by and for Native Americans, not the market. Now there is no practical use for these wrist guards but they are worn on special occasions by both men and women.