AMERICAN INDIAN RELICS AND CEREMONIAL ARTIFACTS

With older relics, the main question becomes for what purpose was the relic used?  Why is it important?  The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act has thrust to the forefront the importance of a societies ability to best protect their culture.  When buying Native American Indian art that is older, ensure that you understand its significance and, if possible, identify the provenance.  Provenance is not a guarantee.  there are numerous museums that have provenance from pieces that were taken from a grave.

Of course it was not art but anthropology that created an interest in relics and artifacts.  However, as the tourists tired of 'souvenirs' the collection of 'originals' created a new market for artifacts and relics.