2) Become Educated:

a) Purchase from established dealers and IACA members. Reputable businesses will represent their merchandise accurately and can assure you of your purchase.
b) Ask for a certificate of authenticity or a written record on a business card, letterhead or receipt for your purchase. The information should include the item description, materials used tribal affiliation of the artist and artist name, when possible.
c) Avoid stores with "perpetual" sales or unethical discounting offers. Prices are often inflated and then a flat discount is offered that results in paying close to or sometimes more than a fair retail price.
d) If a deal seems too good to be true, beware!
e) Ask questions -- a knowledgeable and helpful staff is a good sign of a reputable business. They can help explain materials and techniques used and guide you on what to look for. When an answer is not known, they have numerous resources and will make the effort to find out. One of the most exciting things about collecting is that the learning process continues for everyone -- for both the novice and the aficionados, as well as the artists and dealers in the business.

3) Keep Records

It is extremely helpful (and very interesting over time!) to keep your receipts and certificates together for the purchases you make. This can be done by simply clipping the receipts and certificates together and placing them in a box or envelope. Many collectors may include a photo and notes or additional information on the artist. Some may even have a journal or album for details, and include updated appraisals for their collection. Having the item description, where and when it was purchased and the purchase price is most important and each person can use the method they are comfortable with. Keeping records:
a) is a good record of history
b) is helpful if there is a problem or concern with an item, its condition or care
c) helps in time of "the failing memory"!
d) is good information for family members who may some day acquire the item(s)
e) is good for insurance purposes
f) you never know when the emerging artist you purchased a piece by becomes the next highly collectable, award-winning artist!

4) If you feel an item has been misrepresented, allow the person or shop it was purchased from the opportunity to clarify the information -- this can clear any misunderstandings.

5) Know the Law that Protects You and American Indian Artists. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, PL 101-644, is a truth in advertising law in that it mandates honest representation of American Indian arts and crafts and sets forth the definitions of such. For a copy of the law, write or call the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the Interior,MS-4004-MIB, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240, (202) 208-3773. Written complaints concerning misrepresentation of Indian arts and crafts can be addressed to them also.

 

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