The Integrity of Indigenous Art: Preserving the Legacy of Inuit and Native American Creativity

The Rise of Counterfeits in Indigenous Art Markets

In recent years, Inuit Eskimo art and Native American art have seen a troubling increase in the production of forgeries. These imitations, often originating from Asia, are crafted from materials like plastic, resin, or ceramic using molds, making them easily distinguishable as fakes. However, more sophisticated replicas are also being created from cast stone to mimic Inuit carvings or from wood for Native American imitations. These are hand-carved to replicate original artworks, sometimes without the consent of the original artists.

Counterfeiters have been known to attach tags to these fakes, falsely suggesting that they are inspired by aboriginal artisans, and may even include background information on the Native designs used or Inuit syllabics on the bottom of the carvings. Such deceptive practices mislead consumers into believing they are purchasing authentic pieces that support indigenous communities.

The Impact of Imitations on Authentic Art and Artists

The proliferation of fakes has not only tarnished the reputation of genuine Inuit and Native American art but has also led to a decline in sales, depriving indigenous artists of their rightful income. While some argue that low-cost reproductions serve a market of consumers who cannot afford authentic pieces, this argument holds little weight without a fair royalty system in place for the original artists, which is rarely the case.

Identifying Authentic Indigenous Art

Authentic Inuit and Native American artworks are unique, with no two pieces being identical. Genuine Inuit carvings, for instance, should be accompanied by an Igloo tag, a Canadian government-registered trademark certifying that the piece is handmade by Inuit artisans. Consumers are advised to purchase indigenous art from reputable galleries and dealers to avoid inadvertently supporting the counterfeit market.

Tips for Recognizing Genuine Artworks

• Weight and Temperature: Authentic Inuit carvings made of stone will be cold to the touch and have a significant weight.
• Detail and Texture: Original pieces will not have the uniform, molded look that replicas often exhibit.
• Variation: Genuine artworks will not have identical copies, as each piece is one-of-a-kind.
• Pricing: If the price seems too good to be true (e.g., less than $20 Canadian), it likely indicates that the piece is not an original work of art.
• Certification: Look for the Igloo tag or other certifications that guarantee the authenticity of the piece.

Preserving the Legacy of Indigenous Art

The challenge of protecting the authenticity of Inuit and Native American art is ongoing. It is crucial for consumers to be vigilant and informed to ensure that they are supporting genuine indigenous artists and their communities. By valuing the unique cultural heritage embodied in these artworks, we can help preserve the legacy of indigenous creativity for future generations.

For further reading on the importance of authentic indigenous art, consider exploring the Canadian Inuit Art Information Centre or the National Museum of the American Indian. These resources offer a wealth of information on the cultural significance and artistic practices of indigenous communities.