| Navajo First Phase Chief's Blanket |
$1.8 million |
May 2023 |
Sotheby's |
| Maria Martinez Blackware Jar |
$125,000 |
October 2022 |
Christie's |
| Charles Loloma Turquoise Bracelet |
$60,000 |
December 2022 |
Heritage Auctions |
| Northwest Coast Chilkat Blanket |
$200,000 |
June 2023 |
Bonhams |
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</table>
Preparing for a Native American Art Appraisal
Documentation and Provenance
Gather any available information about your pieces:
- Original purchase receipts showing when, where, and for how much the item was acquired
- Artist information, including name, tribal affiliation, and signature
- Certificates of authenticity issued by galleries or artists
- Previous appraisals or insurance documentation
- Family records or letters that may document the history of inherited pieces
- Photographs showing the item in historical contexts
Physical Preparation
Prepare the physical items:
- Clean items gently if appropriate (but avoid aggressive cleaning that could damage patina)
- Photograph items from multiple angles before the appraisal
- Bring all components of sets or paired items
- Transport safely using appropriate protective materials
- Note any damage or repairs you’re aware of
Questions to Ask Your Appraiser
Prepare questions to better understand your pieces and their value:
- What is the approximate age of the item?
- Can you identify the tribal origin and region?
- Is this piece considered traditional, transitional, or contemporary?
- What specific factors affect this item’s value most significantly?
- How might the value change in coming years?
- Do you recommend any special conservation or display methods?
- Should this piece be insured, and if so, for what amount?
Types of Appraisals to Consider
Different appraisal purposes require different approaches:
- Insurance Appraisal: Determines replacement value for insurance coverage
- Fair Market Value Appraisal: Used for donations, estates, or tax purposes
- Liquidation Value: Determines value if sold quickly
- Retail Replacement Value: Cost to replace with a similar item in a retail setting
- Authentication Assessment: Focuses primarily on determining authenticity
Be clear with your appraiser about your purpose to ensure you receive the appropriate type of valuation.
The Legalities of Native American Art
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990
This federal law prohibits misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior:
“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 or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States.”
Violations can result in substantial fines and even criminal penalties. Professional appraisers help verify whether items meet these legal definitions of authentic Native American art.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)
NAGPRA provides a process for museums and Federal agencies to return certain Native American cultural items—human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony—to lineal descendants, culturally affiliated Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
While NAGPRA primarily affects institutions, private owners should be aware that certain sacred or ceremonial items may be subject to repatriation claims. A knowledgeable appraiser can identify potentially sensitive items.
State Regulations
Several states have enacted their own laws protecting Native American arts and crafts, sometimes with stricter requirements than federal law. For example, New Mexico has the Indian Arts and Crafts Sales Act, which requires detailed disclosure about materials and tribal affiliation.
Authentication Standards
Professional appraisers adhere to ethical standards regarding authentication, including:
- Recognizing tribal definitions of authentic art
- Understanding the legal requirements for using terms like “Native American made”
- Identifying reproductions, imitations, and potentially fraudulent items
- Properly documenting their findings in accordance with legal standards
Making the Most of Your Appraisal
Authentication Benefits
Beyond determining monetary value, appraisers can:
- Confirm tribal attribution and approximate age
- Identify the specific artist when possible
- Distinguish authentic pieces from reproductions or tourist art
- Document materials and techniques used
- Place items in their proper cultural and historical context
Conservation Recommendations
Professional appraisers can provide valuable advice on:
- Proper display methods to prevent damage from light, humidity, and dust
- Appropriate cleaning and handling techniques
- Storage recommendations for items not on display
- Conservation treatments for damaged pieces
- Insurance considerations for valuable items
Building a Collection
If you’re actively collecting Native American art, an appraiser can provide guidance on:
- Market trends and investment potential
- Reputable dealers and auction houses
- Authentication strategies for future purchases
- Building a cohesive collection with cultural integrity
- Ethical considerations when collecting culturally significant items
Estate Planning and Insurance
For valuable collections, appraisals are essential for:
- Obtaining appropriate insurance coverage
- Planning for the eventual disposition of your collection
- Creating detailed inventories for estate purposes
- Understanding tax implications of donations or sales
- Ensuring family members understand the significance and value of inherited pieces
Native American Art Appraisal Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Native American Art Appraisal
Is there a market for Native American art?
Yes, there is a robust market for Native American art, both traditional and contemporary. According to the National Museum of the American Indian Magazine, major art markets like the Santa Fe Art Market attract approximately 1,100 Indigenous artists from more than 100 tribes in the U.S. and Canada. The American Indian Arts Marketplace at the Autry National Center of the American West in California features 200 artists from 40 tribes. The overall market represents billions of dollars in annual sales across galleries, auctions, art shows, and online platforms.
Who appraises Native American artifacts?
Native American artifacts should be appraised by specialists with expertise in indigenous art and cultural items. Professional appraisers certified by organizations like the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) or American Society of Appraisers (ASA) with specialization in Native American art are ideal. Specialized services like The Indian Artifact Grading Authority assist clients with establishing authenticity, value, and provenance of Native American artifacts. Museums with significant Native American collections may also have staff curators who can provide assessment services or referrals to qualified appraisers.
How do you value Native American artifacts?
Valuing Native American artifacts involves assessing multiple factors: authenticity (tribal origin and artist identification), age, condition, artistic quality, historical significance, provenance, and current market demand. Rarity significantly impacts value—the more rare an artifact is, the more valuable it is likely to be. Condition is crucial, with pieces in excellent condition typically worth more than those showing wear or damage. Professional appraisers consider comparable sales at auction, gallery asking prices, and recent market trends. For older pieces, cultural and historical context can substantially increase value. Documentation of provenance and authenticity certificates can also significantly enhance an item's worth.
Can you sell Native American art?
Yes, you can sell Native American art, but there are important legal considerations. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 makes it illegal to offer or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced or the product of a particular Indian tribe. Sellers must be truthful about an item's origin and creator. Certain ceremonial or sacred objects may be subject to additional restrictions under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). For ethical selling, ensure you have proper documentation regarding the item's authenticity, tribal origin, and artist information. When selling valuable pieces, working with galleries or auction houses specializing in Native American art may provide the best results.
How much does a Native American art appraisal cost?
The cost of a Native American art appraisal varies depending on the type of appraisal, the appraiser's expertise, and the complexity of the items. For formal written appraisals suitable for insurance or estate purposes, expect to pay between $125-$350 per item or $75-$150 per hour. Many specialized appraisers like Native American Art Appraisals, Inc. charge around $125 per valuation. For collections, rates may be negotiated based on the number of pieces. Some services offer free preliminary assessments to determine if a formal appraisal is warranted. Online appraisal services typically charge $30-$150 per item, based on submitted photographs and information. Museum-affiliated appraisers may have different fee structures, sometimes offering free informal assessments for members.
Where can I find a free Native American art appraisal?
Several services offer free preliminary appraisals of Native American art and artifacts. Indian Territory offers free appraisals including both insurance and current market values; you can contact them at 800-579-0860 or upload photos for evaluation. Antique American Indian Art provides a free online appraisal service, though they charge $125 per valuation for formal appraisals. Some museums host "appraisal days" where experts offer free informal assessments. Local Native American art galleries sometimes provide free verbal evaluations for potential sellers. Keep in mind that free appraisals are typically verbal only and may not provide the detailed documentation needed for insurance or estate purposes. For valuable or historically significant items, a paid formal appraisal is recommended.
How can I tell if my Native American art is authentic?
Authenticating Native American art involves examining several key elements: materials (traditional materials like specific clays, natural pigments, or genuine stones), craftsmanship (techniques consistent with tribal traditions), artist identification (signatures, hallmarks, or maker's marks), stylistic elements (designs and patterns authentic to specific tribes), age indicators (appropriate patina and wear), and documentation (provenance records, certificates of authenticity from reputable sources). Professional authentication may involve material testing, UV examination, or comparison with museum examples. Be wary of pieces with "Made in China" marks, synthetic materials in supposedly old pieces, or items claimed to be much older than their apparent age. Reputable dealers and appraisers specializing in Native American art can provide authentication services, which is particularly important for valuable pieces.
What Native American artifacts are most valuable?
The most valuable Native American artifacts typically include: pre-1900 Navajo textiles (particularly Chief's blankets, which can sell for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars), historic pottery by renowned artists (like Maria Martinez pieces from San Ildefonso Pueblo), fine turquoise and silver jewelry by master artisans (especially pieces by Charles Loloma or vintage "old pawn" jewelry), ceremonial items with documented historical significance, Northwest Coast masks and totem poles, and pre-Columbian artifacts (though these often face legal restrictions). Museum-quality pieces with exceptional craftsmanship, important provenance, and excellent condition command the highest prices. The auction record for a Native American art object is over $7 million for a Navajo First Phase Chief's Blanket. Historical photographs, baskets, beadwork, and painted hide items from the 19th century are also highly sought after by collectors and museums.
Conclusion
Finding a qualified Native American art appraiser near you is the crucial first step in understanding the true value and significance of your indigenous art pieces and artifacts. Professional appraisal provides not just monetary valuation but also authentication, cultural context, and proper documentation that can enhance your appreciation and stewardship of these important cultural items.
Whether you’re seeking appraisal for insurance purposes, estate planning, potential sale, or simply to satisfy your curiosity about family heirlooms, working with specialists who understand the unique cultural, historical, and artistic aspects of Native American art will ensure you receive the most accurate assessment.
Remember that proper appraisal involves more than just determining a price—it’s about understanding the rich cultural heritage represented by each piece, recognizing the artistic traditions and skills involved in its creation, and appreciating its place within both indigenous cultures and the broader art world.
By following the guidelines in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to find appropriate appraisal services, prepare for the appraisal process, and make informed decisions about your Native American art pieces based on professional evaluation.
