Native American Artifact Identification Guide: History, Value & Authentication

Yes, there are mobile applications designed to help identify Native American artifacts. One popular option is Arrowhead ID, which allows you to take a picture of an artifact and receive relevant information about it. The app provides details about various historical objects from different Native American traditions. However, while these apps can be helpful starting points, they should be used in conjunction with other reliable resources and, for valuable or significant items, professional authentication.

Clovis points from the Paleo-Indian period (dating back to the last Ice Age, approximately 13,000-11,000 BCE) are among the most valuable Native American artifacts. Only around 10,000 authentic Clovis points have ever been found, making them extremely rare. Particularly well-preserved examples or those with unusual characteristics can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, with the most exceptional specimens reaching six figures at auction.
Other highly valuable artifacts include:

Intact pottery vessels from the Anasazi, Mimbres, and other Southwestern cultures
Rare ceremonial objects like bird stones and banner stones
Effigy pipes and other ceremonial smoking implements
Exceptional examples of beadwork and textile arts
Stone sculptures and effigies

The value depends greatly on condition, provenance, rarity, and authentication status.

It is illegal to collect artifacts, including arrowheads, on public lands in the United States. According to federal laws such as the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), artifacts found on public lands—including national parks, forests, and BLM land—are protected resources that belong to the public.
Collecting artifacts disrupts the archaeological record by removing items from their original context, which is crucial for scientific study. When artifacts are removed from their original location, valuable information about the past is permanently lost. This is why federal law prohibits collecting, excavating, or disturbing archaeological resources on public lands without proper permits, which are typically only issued for scientific research purposes.
However, the legality of collecting artifacts on private property varies by state and local laws. In some states, landowners may legally collect artifacts on their own property, while in others, certain types of sites and artifacts may still be protected.

Verifying the authenticity of Native American artifacts involves several steps:


Professional Authentication: Organizations like the Indian Artifact Grading Authority (IAGA) provide official certification services. These experts examine artifacts for authenticity based on material, craftsmanship, patination, and other factors.


Documentation and Provenance: Establishing a clear history of ownership and collection can significantly strengthen an artifact’s authenticity claim.


Material Analysis: For significant pieces, scientific testing methods such as lithic sourcing or dating techniques may be appropriate.


Comparative Analysis: Comparing the artifact with authenticated examples in museum collections or reference books can help identify genuine characteristics.


Surface Examination: Authentic artifacts typically display natural patination, wear patterns, and aging that are difficult to fake convincingly.


Having an official certificate from a recognized authentication service will ensure the preservation of the artifact’s provenance and historical information. The grade assigned, along with the classification, can be used to determine the approximate value and rarity of the artifact.

There are several legal ways to find and collect Native American artifacts:


Purchase from Reputable Dealers: Buy from established dealers who can provide clear provenance information and authentication.


Attend Specialized Auctions: Legitimate auction houses offer authenticated Native American artifacts with proper documentation.


Private Property (with permission): In many states, you can search for artifacts on private property with the explicit permission of the landowner, though state laws vary.


Artifact Shows and Exhibitions: Attend shows where collectors and dealers gather to buy, sell, and trade artifacts legally.


Join Archaeological Societies: Many societies offer supervised field trips and excavations under professional guidance and with proper permits.


Estate Sales and Inheritance: Many collections enter the market through estate sales or are passed down through families.


Remember that regardless of how you acquire artifacts, it’s essential to maintain proper documentation of their provenance and to respect all applicable laws and ethical considerations.

Several factors determine an arrowhead's value to collectors:


Age: Generally, older points (like Paleo-Indian Clovis or Folsom points) are more valuable than more recent ones.


Rarity: Uncommon types, materials, or features command higher prices.


Condition: Complete, undamaged points are worth significantly more than broken or heavily reworked examples.


Size: Unusually large examples of a particular type often bring premium prices.


Material: Points made from attractive or exotic materials (like transparent quartz, obsidian, or colorful jasper) may be worth more than those from common materials.


Craftsmanship: Exceptionally well-made points with fine flaking demonstrate advanced skill and are more desirable.


Provenance: Documented history of where and when the point was found adds significant value.


Authentication: Professional certification confirming authenticity increases value substantially.


Special Features: Unusual characteristics like distinctive fluting, exceptional symmetry, or rare notching patterns can enhance value.


The most valuable arrowheads combine several of these factors—for example, a large, perfect condition Clovis point made from an attractive material, with documented provenance and professional authentication.