AUTHENTICITY
AUTHENTICITY
No single authority can assure the authenticity of all works of art, crafts or artifacts. Because there are 23 Federally recognized Native American tribes in New Mexico and 574 in the United States, even the definitions, categories and characterizations of the types of works vary from region to region, community to community.
So to help both as you enjoy these works in museums and contemplate purchasing them from artists, artisans, galleries and shops, we are suggesting a few credible and reliable resources to which you can turn to help as you learn and understand more.
Visit these websites for your research:
How to Buy Genuine American Indian Arts and Crafts
The Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the U.S. Department of the Interior
Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tone colors of Indian pottery, having some knowledge about American Indian arts and crafts can help you get the most for your money. Be aware also that because Indian arts and crafts are prized and often command higher prices, a few unscrupulous sellers misrepresent imitation arts and crafts as genuine.
Purchase a Treasure from Indian County
The Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the U.S. Department of the Interior
This brochure will lead you to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board’s Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Owned and Operated Arts and Crafts Businesses. It is organized by State and provides information about artists galleries, workshops, and shops. It is the source for some of the information on this site.
ABC’s of Buying Native American Art
Museum of Northern Arizona
Native American artforms are unique for the intrinsic meaning and distinctive materials and symbols they embody. Buyers of these artworks may be motivated to connect with cultural traditions, put something meaningful in their homes, show their support for Native artists, or as an investment. Purchasing art is a chance to support Native American artists and learn about their culture and craft.
Collecting Indian Artifacts Safely and Legally
PBS Antiques Road Show Article
In the article, appraiser Bruce Shackelford warns that collecting Native American artifacts is a “dangerous field” due to significant legal and ethical concerns, especially with funerary objects. Federal and state laws forbid “pot hunting”—the illegal excavation of Native American artifacts from government lands—with heavy fines and jail time for offenders Experts recommend that collectors secure a certification letter documenting the object’s origin and age, as undocumented artifacts may be seized without compensation.
Buying American Indian Arts and Crafts
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice
This website provides guidance on identifying American Indian Arts and Crafts, advise on buying them as sold in tourist stores, gift shops, powwows, fairs, juried competitions and galleries, and methods to use as you verify that any work you are considering is authentic.
Buying Native Art
New Mexico History Museum
Although created as an information source for visitors to the daily Artisan’s Portal at the Palace of the Governors on Santa Fe’s Plaza, this site provides an insightful overview of the types and qualities of the arts and crafts offered by working artists across New Mexico.
Traditional Native Art in New Mexico
New Mexico True
The New Mexico Tourism Department, on its New Mexico True site provides a thoughtful and well illustrated generic overview of the traditional indigenous art forms created by New Mexico’s Pueblos and Native Nations.