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Ketoh (Wrist Guard)



Key Ideas:

Ketoh (Wrist Guard)
Ketoh (Wrist Guard)
About 1930
Cast silver with turquoise on a leather band
Bequest of Virginia Doneghy

Key Ideas
Story
Background
Discussion Questions
Navajo
  • Navajo Indian archers wore wrist guards called ketohs (GAY-toe) to protect their forearms from the snap of their bowstrings. Navajo silversmiths adapted the ketoh form into decorative jewelry.

  • The Navajo creation story describes the adventure of the earliest beings as they moved through four distinct worlds.

  • The design on this ketoh emphasizes the Navajo values of order, harmony, and simplicity. It also evokes the topography of the Navajo creation story.
Key Ideas Story Background Discussion Questions
 
 

 

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