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Navajo Kings Manassa Turquoise Leather Ketoh 1950s

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Navajo Kings Manassa Turquoise Leather Ketoh 1950s
Included in this lot is a Navajo Native American, Kings Manassa turquoise and sterling silver kotah, circa 1950’s. A Ketoh, or bow guard, is a heavy leather 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 silversmithing became a part of Navajo life, ketohs began to be decorated. Ketohs were made by and for Native Americans, not the market. Now there is no practical use for these stylized wrist guards, but they are worn on special occasions by both men and women. This lovely Ketoh features a thick, black leather construction with an applied sterling silver pendant. The pendant is adorned with a variety of Kings Manassa turquoise in varying sizes and shapes. Each gemstone is polished and expertly placed in a shadow box setting with applied sterling silver bead accents. The pendant showcases a wonderful, hand-stamped border around the gemstones. This Ketoh is tied on the back with a leather string. The interior circumference of the Ketoh measures approximately 11”.