Bow Guard

Bow Guard

A bow guard, or ketoh (ga-to) in Navajo serves to protect the arm of an archer. Made of metal and leather, the ketoh was worn on the wrist to protect an archer from the snap of the bowstring. Navajo adornment utilizes silver and turquoise and reflects influences from contact with other native peoples and Spanish and American colonists. Applying the decorative techniques and materials gained from these contacts to develop a unique style of silversmithing, Navajo craftsmen became widely recognized for their expertise by the end of the 1800's.

From the collection of Henry Lauderbough

Early 1900's

Curated by Kerrie Lohr

Silver with turquoise stones; leather

1936.9.7 MA2010

American Southwest