sometimes to understand the past just look at the present.
“3 saddles and an antique bridle lent them selves to 6 handbags instead of being out of commission, taking up room, these saddles are usable again living their new life.”
(audio alert)
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No doubt about it, @Steve 
Thanks for sharing that link.
It’s just neat to think about. I picture some old Navajo completing the silver work and scrounging around for the leather. Maybe he traded for an old saddle, perhaps he had scraps laying around, or someone he knew helped him out with a piece that was just big enough, leading him to cut the perimeter of the leather in such a manner…who knows? But it’s neat to ponder on.
Similar to what @Ziacat’s twin, Brit West, engages in, crafting beautiful pieces from old saddles and bridle leather, it’s an awesome and unique way of going about it.
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Some of my cuffs from her were made from old driving reins. She said she likes to imagine how they may have been used back in the day. This video is where she explains what she does with the leather that she finds.
I have a couple old stirrup leathers from my mom’s English saddle that I’ve thought about having made into a belt someday.
Love your Ketoh, @Ravenscry!
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That is too cool. Before too long my saddle may be out of commission, so who knows, maybe someday I’ll do something fun with it 
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Thanks Zia! Great video, thank you for sharing! Similar to the Navajo and the idea of “walking in beauty”, I love the quote from her friend, “There’s never a good time to look bad”
Coupled with her buckle from Hopi House, this would be an awesome belt! 
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Boy, I love this one, Aaron. Everything about it is perfect. I totally agree that the leather is just as important as the silver and this ketoh delivers both. The file and stamp work design in the silver is classic Navajo and the repurposed tooled leather, with its well-worn, rolled edges, is beautiful. The fact that it was in the Trusdell collection is icing on the cake. Always appreciate your well-organized, informational posts that adds interest and enjoyment to your pieces!
The only question left is, does it fit?
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Thank you, Tom. My thoughts parallel yours. I also think it’s neat that the face has retained its deep stamp, file, and chisel work, while the perimeter shows some extensive wear.
With the old thongs, just barely. That’s one of the biggest pluses of these, with the leather and thongs, they’re practically infinitely adjustable. 
It’s probably best I stick with ketohs for wrist wear. The old Navajos didn’t have big wrists, and I don’t relish the thought of turning an early ingot cuff into two halves. 
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It really is beautiful, and the old leather has such character. To keep the leather pliable, I was told to once a month use something to condition my BritWest cuffs; I either use my leather conditioner for my saddle, or even olive oil works (the gal working for BritWest told me that, and I’ve used it in a pinch). But you probably know this 
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Hey Zia, thanks for your thoughts.
I’ve used Fiebing’s, Saphir soap, and Murphy’s Oil Soap on other leather goods, but have yet to touch any of these ketohs with anything. There’s really only one that makes me nervous to wear because the leather is so dry. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try something on the inside.
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Murphy’s oil soap is great for cleaning, but they definitely told me to use something for conditioning. However I agree I would just try a small amount of something on the inside. I understand not wanting to change them and mess them up, but you also don’t want the leather to crack and break. I figured if the gal with Britwest recommended olive oil it must work well.
If it’s already really really dry and brittle, you will want to be very careful rubbing anything in.
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– Just as a heads up, this is yet another lengthy post, but the history and stories are just as important as the piece itself, I feel. –
I’ve been holding off on sharing this latest addition as I’ve been awaiting the delivery of the accompanying book.
Henry Claiborne (Clay) Lockett (1908-1984) was a well known and highly regarded trader, former member the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Northern Arizona from 1959-1971, purchasing agent for the Museum Shop from the time it opened in 1965, regular judge for Museum shows, appraiser of acquisitions, and one of MNA’s most generous donors, having gifted two major collections of Indian paintings, kachina dolls, rugs, jewelry, and pottery to the establishment.
A Navajo Sketch Book was a collaborative effort of Don Perceval’s artistic ability and Clay’s penmanship. Don began his sketches of Navajo country in the 30’s, some of which were printed for the book that was published in 1962. Personally, I feel he attained his desire to portray the life of the Diné “pre pickup truck”. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a first edition that’s signed by both Clay and Don, which wasn’t mentioned at the time I purchased it, but was a pleasant surprise nonetheless.
Clay Lockett collected this ketoh at some point in his trading career that began in 1942. Dr. Mark Sublette of Medicine Man Gallery purchased it directly from Clay’s family and it came to the public market via auction in July of 2020.
Credit is due to @TAH for bringing this ketoh to my attention last year, over which we’ve had much discussion concerning it. He also shared the following photo of Clay and Tom Burnsides with me.
Indian trader, Clay Lockett, of Tucson, Ariz., watches Tom Burnsides, Navajo silversmith, work on a piece of sandcast jewelry. Photo year: 1954
Within the last month it had resurfaced and became available once again. The design is exceptionally executed and a fine example of sandcast silver. Given the design, history, and provenance, as well as @TAH’s blessing when he assured me he wasn’t interested, I felt compelled.
It has a particularly powerful presence, and the weight to back it up.
Navajo, ca. 1925, 3 5/8 x 2 7/8", 224.5 grams, original leather
For those interested, here are some choice photos of the book.
One final photo of the ketoh with an unrelated, albeit one of my favorite, books.
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Awesome post and congratulations on an awesome addition to your collection, Aaron! In my opinion, this ketoh presents one of the finest examples of Navajo cast work that I have ever seen. A classic design perfectly executed in every way. The deep, three dimensional, cast work is off the charts. Add in the beautiful worn original leather, impressive provenance, and accompanying publication and this one is a real winner.
My only advice - if ya plan on wearin’ it, at 224 grams, ya better start hittin’ the gym.
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Thank you, Tom! I’m not sure how closely you looked at the photos of the sketchbook, but I was sure to include one that reminded me of a certain long awaited film we’ve discussed in the past.
After seeing the effect it was having on my stance last night, my younger sister suggested I wear it as an anklet.
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Yep, I noticed it! That sketch might be the closest I ever get to seeing that film. 
Oh, and the sketch with the three Navajo men could be added to the Turquoise Artwork thread. Just saying.
Curious, how is the leather condition on the ketoh? Hopefully, it’s easily wearable and not brittle.
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Noted!
It’s rather thick and surprisingly supple, it conforms easily enough. The portion directly behind the silver is a little stiff, but it did wear well last night.
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Do you ever condition the leather on these old ketohs? Not saying you should, just wondering if you do.
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I’ve used Bick 4 on one that has leather in real bad shape, as well as beeswax, with favorable results. I very sparingly condition the others, in an attempt to keep them wearable.
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This ketoh along with the book is absolutely amazing! You should wear it to the Indian Market Thanks for sharing all of this.
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Thanks Zia, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I planned on it!
Glad to see you made it back home safe.
