Ketoh c. 1890s

Curator: This striking Ketoh, dating from around the 1890s, comes to us from the Diné, or Navajo, people. Crafted primarily from silver, this bracelet showcases a beautiful blend of geometric patterns. Editor: It’s captivating. There’s something simultaneously modern and ancient about the way those repeated forms stretch around the wrist, almost echoing mountain ranges on the horizon. I wonder how the piece speaks to indigenous representation? Curator: That tension is exactly what interests me. These bracelets, initially worn as bow guards, took on new meaning with increased contact with Western culture and colonization. Understanding the exchange is vital. We see Navajo silversmiths, facing pressure to assimilate, adapting traditional designs to meet new markets. Editor: So, it's a story etched in silver. I see these geometric patterns, and the symmetry feels almost defiant. Did the imagery serve a specific purpose beyond decoration, maybe reflecting on cultural survival, and a way to subtly communicate resistance during this era of immense cultural disruption? Curator: Possibly. While specific symbolism varied, the very act of creation and adaptation was an assertion of cultural identity. The acquisition of silversmithing skills also altered the balance of power; Indigenous artisans producing pieces both for and against the colonial regime Editor: This makes you wonder about its function in both the art market and the Diné community itself. I guess what I'm saying is, this is so much more than just a bow guard; it's a really tactile reminder of a complex cultural negotiation. It’s both beauty and strategy combined. Curator: Precisely! That understanding demands considering the colonial impact, it reflects shifts in gender roles, trade networks, and evolving expressions of identity. Editor: I find the object compelling when situated within broader discourse of the struggle for self-determination. Thanks to this piece, our listeners have a more grounded appreciation of our museum's mission in displaying and safeguarding art that tells an entire story, past, present, and future.