The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) is a federal law that was passed in 1990 to protect Native American arts and crafts from fraud and misrepresentation. The IACA prohibits the sale of any art or craft item in a way that suggests it was made by a Native American artist if it was not.

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The IACA applies to any art or craft item that is marketed or offered for sale in the United States. This includes jewelry, pottery, baskets, textiles, and other items that are commonly associated with Native American art.

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Under the IACA, it is illegal to use terms such as "Native American," "Indian," or "Alaska Native" to describe an art or craft item if it was not made by a Native American artist. The law also prohibits the use of any false or misleading statements or symbols that suggest an item was made by a Native American artist.

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The IACA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which can take legal action against anyone who violates the law. Penalties for violating the IACA can include fines and imprisonment. 

 

The IACA is an important law that helps to protect the integrity of Native American arts and crafts. By ensuring that only authentic Native American art is sold, the IACA helps to preserve the cultural heritage of Native American communities and supports the livelihoods of Native American artists.

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