How to buy authentic First Nations arts and crafts

When you buy authentic First Nations arts and crafts, you help artists receive recognition and fair payment for their work. You also support the continuation of the world's oldest continuous living cultures and show respect for artists and their communities.

Inauthentic products, sometimes described as 'fake art', imitate First Nations art without permission or genuine connection to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist or community.

Check before you buy

There are simple things you can do to check if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and craft products are authentic. You can:

buy directly from the artist
buy from an Indigenous-owned art centre
buy from an Indigenous Art Code dealer member
ask who created the work and how they are paid
ask for a certificate of authenticity when buying an original artwork.

Find Indigenous Art Code members.

Watch: Artists' tips for buying First Nations art

Questions to ask before you buy

Here are some questions you can ask the seller:

Who is the artist?
Where is the artist or community based?
How does the artist benefit from the sale?
Does the artwork have a story?
Is this an original work or a reproduction?
If it's a reproduction, has the artist given permission and how do they benefit?

Buy respectfully

Show genuine interest and be respectful when asking questions.
Don't haggle over the price. The price reflects the artist's skill, knowledge, time and experience.
For mass produced products such as fashion, homewares and merchandise, check the label or packaging for information about the artist, community and licensing arrangement.
Ask the seller how they source their products and work with artists.
When buying an original work, ask what documentation is provided. Any piece of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art over AUD$250 should come with a certificate of authenticity. Certificates of authenticity verify in writing that the artwork for sale is the original work of the artist named. A photo of the artist holding the art is not a certificate of authenticity.

Warning signs of inauthentic products

Be cautious if:

The artist is not named: Authentic products should clearly acknowledge the artist or artists responsible for the work.
The seller relies on photographs instead of a certificate of authenticity: A photograph of an artist holding or creating an artwork is not a certificate of authenticity
The seller offers a large discount: Ask whether the discount will affect the amount paid to the artist or art centre.
The seller will not answer your question: Consider buying elsewhere if the seller cannot explain where the work came from, who created it or how the artist benefits.

Frequently asked questions about buying First Nations arts and crafts

Authentic First Nations arts and crafts have a genuine connection to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist, community or culture.
Before you buy:
- check the artist is named
- ask who created the work and how they are paid
- look for information about the artist and their community
- ask whether the artwork has been licensed if it appears on a manufactured product
- be cautious of terms such as 'Aboriginal style' or 'Indigenous-inspired'.
A product can still be authentic if it is manufactured overseas, provided the artwork has been fairly licensed by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist and the artist is appropriately paid.
If a seller cannot explain who created the artwork, how it was licensed or how the artist benefits, consider purchasing elsewhere.
A certificate of authenticity is a document that helps verify that an artwork was created by the named artist. It usually includes details about the artist, the artwork and where it was produced.
When buying an original artwork, ask whether it comes with a certificate of authenticity and what information the certificate contains.
Low value arts and crafts products including souvenirs and merchandise are unlikely to include a certificate of authenticity. Check the label or packaging for information about its authenticity.
The growing popularity of First Nations art has increased demand for art and craft products. Unfortunately, this has also led to the sale of products that imitate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art without permission or cultural connection.
These products can:
- misrepresent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
- reduce economic opportunities for artists and communities
- mislead buyers
- disadvantage businesses that operate ethically.
No. Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists sign their work, while others do not.
A signature alone is not proof that an artwork is authentic. A certificate of authenticity is commonly used to confirm that a work was created by the named artist.
A certificate of authenticity should provide details about the artwork and artist. A photograph of an artist creating or holding an artwork is not a substitute for a certificate of authenticity.
Yes. A forgery is an artwork copied or produced without the artist's permission, or falsely attributed to an artist.
However, forgery is only one form of 'fake' art. Other inauthentic products include mass-produced souvenirs that imitate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art without permission or a genuine connection to an artist or community.
If you believe a product may be inauthentic, or 'fake', you can report a consumer issue to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Include as much information as possible, such as:
- photos or screenshots
- the seller or business name
- where you saw the product
- the product description and claims
- details about why you believe the product may be inauthentic.
No. There are many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who are not Indigenous Art Code members.
You can also buy directly from artists and Indigenous-owned art centres. This can be a valuable opportunity to learn about the artist, their work and their community.
If you are unsure where to start, Indigenous Art Code members have committed to the Code's standards for fair, transparent and ethical trade.