About the Indian Arts and Crafts Association

We are proud to be a member of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, a group of retailers, wholesalers, collectors, and Indian artists, who have organized "to enhance and maintain the image and marketing of handmade American Indian arts and crafts." We joined this organization because they promote the kind of integrity we hold dear. To become a member of this organization, you must be recommended by three current members, and then be voted upon by the entire membership. It is truly the organization of bona fide dealers in Indian arts and crafts. As part of our membership agreement we, and all other members of the organization, must agree to the Code of Ethics of IACA. We are quoting it here, so you can see for yourself the concern we have for integrity: Code of Ethics Members of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association agree to adhere to the following: To honestly represent American Indian arts and crafts as to nature and origin within the realm of my control, and to offer return privileges for articles should they be found by IACA to have been misrepresented by me. To abide by all federal, state, local and tribal laws pertaining to Indian arts and crafts, artifacts, and natural resources. To abide by ethical business conduct regarding advertising, appraising, pricing and guarantees offered by me. To respect and support ethical business activities of all Indian Arts and Crafts Association members. To encourage consumer confidence in the authenticity of all articles identified with the IACA seal. To cooperate with the law enforcement agencies and the IACA in the investigation of crimes involving Indian arts and crafts and to promote proper identification of Indian arts and crafts.

BUYING NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY: Consumer Tips from IACA

Nothing symbolizes the unique character of the Southwest more than Indian arts--beautiful burnished pots drawn from the earth; silver jewelry reflecting the mood and the sky; rugs with bold geometric designs; sandpaintings; basketry; intricate beadwork and carved fetishes. For the serious collector or the casual buyer, these crafts are not just beautiful objects. They are tangible expressions of the culture and traditions of the Native Americans of the Southwest. But are all items sold as "Indian made" authentic? The casual buyer may not be able to tell handcrafted jewelry from machine made, genuine turquoise from plastic, or hand-coiled pots from poured pottery or greenware. Sometimes even the experts are fooled--imitations made in the Philippines or Taiwan may look like the real thing. For more than twenty years, the Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA) has tirelessly promoted authentic Native American arts. The non-profit Association was formed in 1974 by a group of dealers who knew that cheap imitations and imports were undermining America's only indigenous art form. Headquartered in Albuquerque, IACA now has more than 700 member artists, wholesale and retail dealers, museums and collectors throughout the United States and in five foreign countries. IACA works to promote authentic Native American arts and crafts through public education and through common standards for the industry. IACA's annual wholesale markets feature only handcrafted items produced by Indians with tribal registration. IACA maintains a Buyer's Guide to help buyers locate artists and dealers of authentic arts and crafts. Consumer awareness is the key to protecting buyers and producers alike. Reputable dealers will tell customers whether an item is hand- or machine-made. Buyers should feel free to ask dealers for written verification of the origin of a piece and the processes used in making it. IACA has worked closely with federal and state agencies to strengthen consumer protection legislation requiring items sold as "Indian made" to be accurately represented. All IACA members must pledge to represent honestly American Indian arts and crafts. Most are only too happy to tell buyers about the artist and his or her tribal affiliation as well as the techniques and contents of a handcrafted Indian work of art. The unique characteristics and meaning of the jewelry, pot or other craft add to its value. Why is "authenticity" important? If you're a souvenir shopper, perhaps it isn't. But if you're a serious buyer, authentic Native American arts and crafts represent centuries-old craftsmanship, reflect the traditions, symbols and values of the Native American culture and religion, and promise enduring value. It's the real thing. Some tips for helping you discern the 'real thing' are below. APPEARANCE Is the jewelry well crafted? Are images clear, lines unwavering? Are stones well-cut, uniform in size and secure in their settings? If the design is stamped, is the design clear and even? Stamped designs which show on the inside of the jewelry are frequently mechanically stamped. Is the artist’s ‘hallmark’ stamped on the jewelry? Many Indian artists use a hallmark to identify their work. The hallmark may be a symbol or a signature of the artist. Heishi strung shell or stone beads should be regular in cut and smooth to the touch. Fine heishi feels like liquid when run through the fingers. MATERIALS If jewelry is made of silver, is it marked "Sterling"? If turquoise or other opaque stones are used, is the stone natural or has it been altered to change the color or hardness of the stone? PRICE Genuine handmade Indian jewelry is often expensive. Mechanically produced or imported products made with lower labor costs may cost considerably less. If the price seems too good to be true – it probably is!! SOURCE By law, any item sold as Indian or Native American-made, must be the creation of an individual who is a member of a state or federally recognized tribe or tribally certified as an Indian artisan. Ask the seller to certify that the item was Indian made. DEALER Buy from an established dealer who will provide a guarantee of authenticity and who will be available later to respond to any questions or complaints you may have about your purchase. DOCUMENTATION Obtain a receipt that includes all pertinent information about the value of your purchase. For any of you who may wish to contact IACA, their phone number in Albuquerque, New Mexico is 505-265-9149. You may also wish to visit their website.