Find or Fake?: Counterfeit Native Art
From: Rebecca Sheir
Length: 00:06:13
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Piece Description
Counterfeit Alaska Native art is a growing problem. Although selling forged handicrafts is punishable by law, the FTC reports that each year, phony carvings, masks, dolls and jewelry cost legitimate artists millions of dollars in lost profits. Downtown Anchorage boasts a host of gift shops and galleries advertising so-called "Alaska Native" art. When Rebecca Sheir gets a crash course in how to spot a fake, she hits the streets to see whether the downtown dealers are truly on the up-and-up.
Broadcast History
A modified version of this piece originally aired on "AK," the Alaska Public Radio Network's weekly magazine-style program, on February 16, 2008.
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Colleen Devine
Posted on September 02, 2008 at 08:26 PM | Permalink
Review of Find or Fake?: Counterfeit Native Art
Out of the gate, Rebecca Sheir informs us of her intent to learn how to recognize authentic Native art. This is an investigative story about counterfeit Native art that would serve well as a companion piece for a travel series on Alaska destinations, or simply as a common sense piece for the casual or serious art collector. The listener is immediately drawn into the investigative aspect of the story in a lighthearted way.
The investigation brings to mind the nature of tourist areas--how buyers frequently check their common sense along with their luggage, opting to view their hosts as good-natured, honest folk in order to create a positive, memorable experience--and how this can be used against them.
It's somewhat difficult to sympathize with the deceived buyer who doesn't do a little investigating before purchasing an authentic work of art, particularly if, in the end, the buyer doesn't really question the authenticity in lieu of having created a fond memory. But for those that truly don't want to be deceived, Ms. Sheir gives solid buyer beware advice.