From Native American Times:
Imitation Native American art is being mass-produced in places like Mexico and Asia, and the fallout from this manufacturing of Indian culture is hurting Native artists and craftspeople.
“The people that are in the business and attempting to make authentic stuff have to contend with imports,” Michael Kirk, a craftsman from Isleta, New Mexico, told the Native American Times. He said that import laws are not properly enforced.
Kirk is one of the lucky ones, though. His jewelry and carvings are geared toward higher-end consumers like museums and galleries. He specializes in one-of-a-kind art. Those most harmed by the cheap imitations are the artists who make smaller items like silver rings, Kirk told the Native Times.
The fakes are bad for business in New Mexico. Tourism is the second biggest industry in the state, but some visitors get counterfeit art when they try to buy the real thing.