A new brochure produced by the federal government aims to help buyers of Navajo weavings tell an authentic weaving from an imitation version.
The U.S. Department of the Interior's Indian Arts and Crafts Board produced the brochure in collaboration with master Navajo weaver Joyce Begay-Foss. The brochure, titled How to Buy Authentic Navajo (Diné) Weavings, is available online or in hard copy form.
"For the Navajo people, weaving is not just an art form, but a direct connection to our environment and lifeways," Begay-Foss, a former IACB chairwoman, says in a news release. "Navajo weavers face competition from imported items. Unfortunately, some consumers prefer to buy a cheaper knock-off of a Native American-designed product."
The brochure is important, Begay adds, to educate consumers about the differences between imported knock-offs and genuine Navajo weavings.
"Whether you are in search of a treasured memory of your visit to Indian Country, or you are an avid collector of Indian art and craftwork, you want to know that a Navajo (Diné) textile is authentic," the brochure states. "Having some knowledge about Navajo weavings can help you get the most for your money."
You can download the brochure in PDF form from the IACB's website. If you'd rather have a hard copy, you can contact the IACB via email, at [email protected], or call 888-278-3253.