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Buying Native American Arts and Crafts

Defining Authentic Indian Arts and Crafts

Authentic Indian art or handicraft consists of handmade items produced by a Native American
craftsperson, a member of a federally or state-recognized Indian tribe, using high-quality, natural
materials that are not machine stamped. In our state, sales of these items are governed by The
New Mexico Indian Arts and Crafts Sales Act.

Some imported items have entered the Indian arts and crafts market that are not authentic because:

They are not made by Native Americans;
They are not produced in the traditional manner;
They are not made of natural materials.

First-time buyers and collectors should not hesitate to ask questions about the origins of these
items as well as the materials used in making them.

Weaving Should Reflect Quality, Balance and Design

Native American weavings also should be purchased with quality, balance and design in mind.
Most traditional everyday wear and ceremonial garments are woven with cotton and are produced
by Pueblo weavers, although Navajo weavers also are known for their traditional dresses.

Navajo weavers usually produce wool rugs using an upright loom constructed specifically for each
project. Sturdy weavings may be used as floor rugs while weavings with a fine, tapestry-like appearance
should be mounted on a wall and viewed as an artwork.

Weavings should be made from homespun or commercial yarns of natural fibers such as cotton and wool.
Colors should derive from native plant dyes instead of commercial dyes. Collecting native dyes and spinning
yarn is far more labor intensive and, therefore, may cause the weaving to be more expensive.