$2,250.00
Legendary Navajo silversmith Hosteen Goodluck passed the tradition of jewelry making down through his sons, one of whom was William “Billy” Goodluck. Billy would later become widely recognized through his association with the famed Garden of the Gods Trading Post,
Sterling Silver | Lone Mountain Turquoise | Leather Circa 1930s–1940s
Legendary Navajo silversmith Hosteen Goodluck passed the tradition of jewelry making down through his sons, one of whom was William “Billy” Goodluck. Billy would later become widely recognized through his association with the famed Garden of the Gods Trading Post, where his family and jewelry appeared in numerous advertising publications that helped define the romantic image of early Southwestern Native jewelry collecting.
This exceptional Navajo ketoh, or bowguard, was most likely created during the 1930s–1940s and beautifully reflects the trading post influence of that era. The design features dynamic flying arrow motifs, a popular symbol in early Navajo silverwork that conveyed movement, protection, and strength while appealing to the growing tourist market of the time.
The ketoh remains mounted on its original leather backing, an increasingly rare feature that adds greatly to both its authenticity and collector appeal. Set across the silver face are five beautiful Lone Mountain turquoise stones, each displaying the soft blue coloration and natural matrix associated with this celebrated Nevada mine.
The silverwork itself is outstanding. Deep hand stamping surrounds a striking Four Directions center motif, showcasing the confidence and technical ability of a highly accomplished craftsman. The balance of negative space, repoussé elements, and carefully executed stamp work all point toward the hand of an experienced early Navajo silversmith.
Although the piece is unsigned — entirely common for this period — the workmanship strongly resembles documented examples attributed to William “Billy” Goodluck. Collectors familiar with Kim and Pat Messier’s writings and published examples of Billy Goodluck’s jewelry will immediately recognize the similarities in silver construction, stone placement, and decorative vocabulary.
Pieces of this caliber represent an important era in Navajo jewelry history, when artists balanced traditional symbolism with trading post aesthetics that would ultimately shape the visual language of Southwestern Native American jewelry for generations.
Size – 3 5/8″ x 2 7/8″
Weight – 2.8 ozt
1 in stock