Bruce McGee, director of retail sales of the Heard Museum Shop, has spent his entire life dealing with purchasing and selling American Indian art. Below, he answers some of the most common questions. Don't see the answer to your question here? Stop into one of our Shops and our friendly staff will assist you.

Q: How do I know if the item I’m purchasing is authentic? What should I look for?

A: The Heard Museum Shops guarantee all of our handmade products to be authentic, that is the promise of the Heard Museum. On each receipt it states an authentic guarantee for our products. At the request of the customer, or when purchasing higher-end items, the Shop will issue a certificate of authenticity. This guarantee includes the fact that all materials used are as stated.

Q: How does the Heard Museum Shop differ from other trading posts and galleries that sell American Indian Items?

 A: The Shop is different because we are not permitted to carry anything that is not 100% authentic.
Many shops will and do carry tourist items that are not always made by  American Indians.

Q: Are there books you recommend to potential collectors or buyers?

A: Stop in the Shop or visit our online retail site as we carry a very large array of books relating to the materials and art we sell and exhibit. 

Q: What does the Indian Arts and Crafts Act state about Indian Arts?

A: For the most part, the act refers to truth in origin. If an item is made in another country, it has to be labeled as such. For instance, if a store offers Hopi katsina dolls, they must be made by a Hopi person, not from Japan or Navajo, but strictly Hopi. 

Q: I have a piece I’d like the Shop to sell on consignment, how does that work? 

A: We do occasionally take things in on consignment at our discretion. If we are currently buying from an artist, we do not take in on-consignment items by that artist from an outside source.
Our policy states that 60% of the retail sale goes to the consignor and 40% of the retail goes to the Shop. As for what an items sells for, this is determined by the fair market value after research and agreed upon by both parties. Full terms of consignment can be discussed when you make an appointment with a Shop staff member.

Q: What’s the difference between an art piece and a craft item?

A: Art is something that is created in beauty whether it be an item of adornment or something to display in one's home, such as pottery, textiles, paintings etc. A craft item may be something of folk art nature.  A craft is not something of great value but only to be had for fun and far less expensive. A good example would be Navajo folk art, such as a man riding a goat or a truck carrying sheep.

Q: How can I get to know more American Indian artists personally?

A: After reading up in a book or online about a certain artists, visit them and see their most current work at Indian fairs or visit galleries that feature their work when they make an appearance. The Heard Museum also offers many daytime and evening programs and member openings when many artists are present or have agreed to speak.

Q: If I visit a reservation, where is the best place to purchase items made by that tribe?

A: Policies depend on the reservation. At Hopi, you may be allowed to go around and visit the many artists and purchase directly. On the Navajo reservation, it is best to learn about the best shops in the region ahead of time and make plans to visit them. By joining the Heard Museum Guild, you may participate in trips to the reservations. Before visiting any reservation, be sure to do research and call the cultural center to find out more about planning a visit.