- The Artifact Collection Gallery Catalog
- >
- Contemporary Jewelry
- >
- Bracelets - Contemporary
- >
- Medium (7-7.5 inches long)
- >
- 5060-102 Navajo Ketoh / Bow Guard
5060-102 Navajo Ketoh / Bow Guard
Mid 20th Century
4 " h x 2 3/4" w mounted on 4 3/4" high leather - will fit any wrist size
A very handsome larger example with fine Sterling Silver, deeply struck, center turquoise setting.
From a private estate collection.
A Ketoh or bow guard is a heavy wrist band to protect the inner portion of the lower arm of an archer from the snap of the bow string.
Originally they were plain thick leather straps. Once silvermsithing 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.
Originally they were plain thick leather straps. Once silvermsithing 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.