|
Archaeology Fair American Indian Art Show
The Verde Valley Archaeology Fair recognizes the American Indian heritage of the Verde Valley with an annual invitational American Indian Art Show for American Indian artists from throughout Arizona and the Southwest. The event promotes greater public appreciation and understanding of Southwest American Indian artistry, encourages artistic achievement in a variety of media and establishes a stronger market for American Indian art.
 The next show will be on March 30-31, 2013 in the Camp Verde Community Center. Our featured artist Joshua Madalena. Nearly a thousand years of pottery knowledge held by the Jemez people and their ancestors was abandoned and lost over several generations in the early eighteenth century. That loss is being reversed today through the work of a Jemez potter, Joshua Madalena. Through his skill and experimentation, archaeologists and collectors can be transported back to experience the look and feel of vessels that have not been manufactured for nearly three centuries.
For over a decade Joshua has painstakingly rediscovered techniques that have been lost to history. From gathering the traditional clays and pigments to the pit firing process and designs, his work is truly from another era. Through skill and experimentation, the look and feel of vessels not created for over three centuries have returned. Download an article that describes his influence.
SPECIAL EVENTS
White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers will perform on Saturday, March 30 at 11:00 am and at 2:00 pm
White Mountain Apache Youth Dancers will perform on Sunday, March 31 at 11:00 am and at 2:00 pm
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990
The Festival of Native American Culture's Invitational Art Show subscribes to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-644). This is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. 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. The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935. The Act broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. Some traditional items frequently copied by non-Indians include Indian-style jewelry, pottery, baskets, carved stone fetishes, woven rugs, kachina dolls, and clothing.
All products must be marketed truthfully regarding the Indian heritage and tribal affiliation of the producers, so as not to mislead the consumer. It is illegal to market an art or craft item using the name of a tribe if a member, or certified Indian artisan, of that tribe did not actually create the art or craft item.
Consumer Tips:
Under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act all American Indian and Alaska Native art and craft products must be marketed truthfully regarding the Native American heritage and tribal affiliation of the artist or craftsperson.
- 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 different materials and types of American Indian arts and crafts
- 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
| 
