An artist who gives only general information or seems not to know the meaning or purpose of a craft may not be Hopi. Become familiar with authentic Hopi arts and crafts. Then compare the craft that you would like to purchase. If several dolls are the same height and have little variation, these dolls were most likely manufactured from a mold and are imitations Hopi Kachina dolls will be signed by the individual maker. Request to see the artist's Hopi enrollment card.
Federal law requires that an artist be a member of a native American tribe.
Ask gallery and shop keepers off the reservation whether they buy directly from Hopi artists. Fake and imitation arts and crafts hurt the self-employment status of the Hopi, eroding the economic self determination and self reliance of the entire tribe.