When buying Alaska Native artwork, look for the Silver Hand Artist logo. This program’s purpose: “is to promote authentic Alaska Native handicrafts made in the state exclusively by individual Alaska Native artists. The seal indicates that an article on which it appears is hand crafted in Alaska by an Alaska Native artist and that the piece is made wholly or in significant part with natural materials”. 

When buying from a Silver Hand Artist, feel free to ask for their registration number and a list of what the Art pieces are made of.  For example, when I sell an item that is made of natural materials, I provide my business cards which includes my name, contact info, registration number, and a list of the items used in the art piece. 

Click this link for more information on buying artwork from the Federal Trade Commission.  http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro05.shtm