Ketoh (Bow Guard)

From earliest times, Native American archers have protected their wrists from the snap of the bowstring by a leather band. When metals became readily available in the 1860s, the Navajo began to attach decorative metal plaques to the leather, and, eventually, Pueblo smiths began to produce the form as well. Today, long after their use as functional wrist guards has ceased, Navajo and Pueblo men continue to wear ketohs as decorative jewelry during dances, ceremonies and special occasions. This ketoh functions as an expression of Pueblo religious thought. The artist has created an altar-like representation of stepped clouds, rain, cloud deities and sun rays, all transformed into the image of a katsina through the addition of triangular eyes.