Buying Authentic Hand Made Native American Art and Jewelry

Authenticity - Quality - And How to Know

Is Authentic Important?

Some will say, “if you like a piece, buy it.” While liking what you purchase is very important, supporting the Native American artisans is very important as well. Today, with the ability of people from other countries like the Philippines and China to copy our American Indian designs using cheap materials and selling them at low prices, it is even more important that we become educated in the beauty and value of real Native American art.

Don’t fall for the pretty bauble with the low price. I would hate to see these talented American artisans priced out of the market by overseas competition. The reality is that this is happening. One Native American expert told me that he no longer allows photographs of his work to appear in art books. Why? Because once he experienced seeing a knock-off necklace of his very own design being sold as authentic Native American. In reality, it was Philippine made with inferior materials. He found this knock-off necklace being sold in Phoenix just months after the book featuring his design was published.

By purchasing Native American, you are supporting families, many of whom still live on the reservation and have no other means of earning money. It is a valuable way to give back to those whose culture and art brings us so much wisdom and beauty.

How Can You Tell Whether It’s Authentic or Not?

The Council for Indigenous Arts and Culture (CIAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering, developing and contributing to the support and understanding of authentic Indian arts, crafts, customs, traditions and cultures. Much of the information presented here is from their educational efforts as presented by Tony Eriacho, Jr. from Zuni Pueblo.

There are a number of ways you can support the efforts of CIAC in protecting Indigenous arts and culture.

First, become educated on the items or products that interest you. On this site we have articles on:

• Native American Jewelry
• Navajo Rugs and Weavings
• Pueblo Pottery
• American Turquoise

Ask where the piece was made. I always ask where the item was made as well as find out about the artist, which tribe she or he is from and what their name is.

Obtain a receipt and/or certificate of authenticity. Make sure the paperwork includes the following information:

• Name, full address and phone number of the business or artist
• Artist’s name and tribal affiliation
• Specific description of the item. Ensure that this includes the materials used, the style, type of stones used (natural, stabilized or imitation).
• Value of the purchase. And, if discounted, ask that the original price be written on the receipt.

One pueblo pottery artist, Emil Chino, whom I met at Acoma Sky City, sent me a hand written letter telling me all about the pot I purchased. He included the materials, style of painting and directions for care. I really appreciated his attention to detail and his help in educating me about fine Acoma pottery. And, I believe the letter adds to the value of the pottery piece.

What You Should Look For

Materials – Silver should be marked sterling or .925 (though the symbol is rarely used in the U.S.). Gold should be marked 14k, 18k, gold-filled or otherwise indelibly stamped with the metal content.

Stone and Other Raw Materials - Written disclosure as to the raw components of your purchase should be included on your receipt or certificate. I even ask which mine a particular turquoise came from. A reputable dealer or artist should be able to tell you.

Stone Content – Is it natural, treated or stabilized? Often this information is not offered but if you ask, you usually will be given an honest answer.

Hand Made or Hand Crafted?

Hand Made- means that the item is entirely made from raw materials and fabricated by hand even if the item is made from block (plastic).

Hand Crafted - means that the item is made by assembling pre-made parts and pieces that are of natural materials or stabilized materials or even block (plastic).

Machine Made - means an item that is made by the stamping, casing, die cutting or other mechanical means, injecting castings with metals or plastic to make an item. No hand work is involved. Cabs and Inserts - are settings that are pre-made in different shapes and sizes which are available at supply houses where materials are sold. These items may be made of real materials or can be plastic.

Indian or Indian Style?

Watch the wording. Indian is defined as a member of a federally or other officially State recognized tribe, or certified Indian artisan. Don’t fall for the wording “Indian Style,” as it is not “Indian.”

Pricing

It is understandable that hand made jewelry and art items made with natural materials by a recognized Native American artist will be priced accordingly. These items often appreciate with time and with the reputation of the artist.

You can expect to pay much more for authentic hand made items but your purchase will be one that you can be proud of.