Indian Arts and Crafts
Indian Arts and Crafts Act Brochure 
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L.101-644), as amended, prohibits misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act is a truth in- advertising law. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell, any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian tribe.
According to Arizona statutes 44-1231 – 44-1231.05, it is unlawful to sell or offer to sell any products represented to be authentic Indian arts and crafts unless the products
are authentic. Authentic Indian arts and crafts products are Indian handcrafted and are not made by machine or from unnatural materials, except stabilized or treated turquoise. It is prohibited to offer for sale or sell art and craft products that contain any unnatural turquoise without a written disclosure of whether the turquoise is stabilized, treated, reconstituted, or synthetic. Similarly, a product may only be represented to be of silver, regardless whether it is an authentic or non-authentic Indian art or craft, if the product is made of coin silver or sterling silver. An individual who sells or offers to sell non-authentic Indian arts and crafts must post a sign bearing the words, “non-authentic Indian arts and crafts” above or adjacent to the articles being sold. For purposes of this statute, “non-authentic Indian arts and crafts” refers to any product which is made to imitate or resemble authentic Indian arts and crafts, yet is either not Indian handcrafted, or is made by a machine or from unnatural materials.
Shop Wisely … Tips for Buying 
- When purchasing from a dealer, choose one
with a good reputation - Request a written guarantee or written
verification of authenticity - Get a receipt that includes all the vital
information about your purchase, including price,
maker, and maker’s Tribal affiliation - Familiarize yourself with the different materials
and types of American Indian arts and crafts,
as well as the indicators of a well-made,
handcrafted piece - Realize that authentic handmade pieces may be
expensive… if a price seems too good to be true,
be sure to ask more questions about the item and
its maker
If you think a business or individual is selling a non-authentic art or craft item as an American Indian product, the action may be a violation of both the Federal and State laws regulating the industry.
For more information or to file a complaint,
Stop by a Satellite Office
File a Complaint Online or by Mail
| Phoenix | Tucson |
| OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 W. Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2926 602.542.5763 800.352.8431 (outside the Phoenix metro area) consumerinfo@azag.gov |
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Consumer Information and Complaints 400 W. Congress South Building, Suite 315 Tucson, Arizona 85701-1367 520.628.6504 or 800.352.8431 (outside the Tucson metro area) consumerinfo@azag.gov |
Indian Arts and Crafts Board
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW, MS 2528-MIB
Washington, DC 20240
888.Art.Fake (278.3253)
www.iacb.doi.gov
iacb@ios.doi.gov
More Information
How to Buy Genuine American Indian Arts and Crafts
Indian Arts and Crafts Act Brochure