How to Shop Mitchell Museum Native Art

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, located in Evanston, Illinois, is a respected cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and presenting the diverse histories, arts, and traditions of Indigenous peoples across North America. While the museum is best known for its curated exhibitions and educational programs, its curated collection of Native art is also available for thoughtful acquisition by collectors, educators, and cultural enthusiasts. Shopping for Native art through the Mitchell Museum is not merely a transaction—it is an act of cultural stewardship. When done respectfully and knowledgeably, purchasing art from the museum supports Indigenous artists, sustains cultural continuity, and ensures that authentic, ethically sourced pieces remain accessible to the public.

Unlike commercial marketplaces where mass-produced imitations and cultural appropriation are rampant, the Mitchell Museum offers a rare opportunity to acquire original, museum-quality Native art with full provenance and cultural context. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned collector, or an educator seeking classroom resources, understanding how to navigate this process with integrity is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to shopping for Native art through the Mitchell Museum—covering everything from identifying authentic pieces to understanding ethical acquisition practices, available tools, and real-world examples.

Step-by-Step Guide

Shopping for Native art through the Mitchell Museum requires intentionality, research, and patience. This is not a quick online checkout experience—it’s a meaningful engagement with living cultures. Follow these seven detailed steps to ensure your purchase is both personally rewarding and culturally responsible.

Step 1: Understand the Museum’s Mission and Ethical Framework

Before you begin browsing, take time to understand the Mitchell Museum’s core values. The museum operates under a strict ethical code that prioritizes collaboration with Native communities, respect for cultural protocols, and the rejection of commodification of sacred or ceremonial items. Unlike many galleries or e-commerce platforms, the museum does not sell items that are considered sacred, ritualistic, or restricted by tribal law. This means every piece offered for sale has been vetted by Indigenous advisors and is appropriate for public ownership.

Visit the museum’s official website and read its “Collections Policy” and “Ethical Guidelines” sections. These documents clarify what types of art are available for sale and why certain items are excluded. This foundational knowledge will help you recognize the difference between culturally respectful offerings and exploitative reproductions found elsewhere.

Step 2: Explore the Online Collection and Catalog

The Mitchell Museum maintains a comprehensive, searchable online collection that includes photographs, descriptions, and provenance details for nearly every item in its inventory. Navigate to the “Shop” or “Museum Store” section of the website. Here, you’ll find curated categories such as:

• Contemporary Native Jewelry
• Traditional Beadwork and Quillwork
• Hand-Carved Wood and Stone Sculptures
• Textiles and Basketry
• Prints and Limited-Edition Artworks
• Educational Kits and Books

Each item is tagged with the artist’s name, tribal affiliation, materials used, date of creation, and often a short narrative about the cultural significance of the design. Use the filters to narrow your search by region (e.g., Southwest, Northwest Coast, Plains), medium, or price range. Bookmark pieces that resonate with you, but avoid making impulsive decisions. Take notes on what draws you to each item—is it the craftsmanship, the symbolism, the story behind the artist?

Step 3: Research the Artist and Their Community

One of the most critical steps in ethical Native art acquisition is learning about the artist. The Mitchell Museum prioritizes transparency, so artist biographies are typically included. Look for details such as:

• Tribal affiliation and enrollment status
• Artistic lineage or apprenticeship
• Participation in cultural revitalization efforts
• Previous exhibitions or recognitions

For example, if you’re considering a piece by a Hopi silversmith, research Hopi jewelry traditions—how silverwork evolved after contact with Navajo artisans, the symbolic meaning of kachina motifs, and the importance of signed pieces. Many artists draw from family techniques passed down for generations. Understanding this context deepens your appreciation and ensures you’re not purchasing a generic “Native-style” product.

Use external resources like the Native American Art Studies Association or tribal nation websites to verify information. Be wary of vague artist bios or those that lack specific tribal ties. Authentic artists are proud of their heritage and will have verifiable connections to their communities.

Step 4: Verify Authenticity and Provenance

Authentic Native art is not just about materials—it’s about origin and intent. Every item sold by the Mitchell Museum comes with a certificate of authenticity that includes:

• Artist’s full name and tribal enrollment number (if applicable)
• Exact materials used (e.g., sterling silver, turquoise from Nevada, abalone shell, natural dyes)
• Technique (e.g., repoussé, overlay, coiling, embroidery)
• Date of creation
• Documentation of cultural consultation

Compare the certificate details with the physical item. For jewelry, check for hallmarks or artist signatures. For textiles, examine stitching density and dye consistency. Authentic pieces often show subtle imperfections—evidence of handwork, not machine replication.

Be cautious of items labeled “inspired by” or “Native-style.” These are often mass-produced in non-Native factories and do not support Indigenous creators. The Mitchell Museum guarantees that every item is created by a verified Native artist or artisan collective. If you have questions about a specific piece, contact the museum’s curatorial team directly through their inquiry form. They will provide additional documentation upon request.

Step 5: Consider the Purpose of Your Purchase

Ask yourself: Why am I buying this? Is it for personal enjoyment, educational use, display in a professional setting, or as a gift? Your intent should guide your selection.

If you’re purchasing for a classroom or community center, consider educational kits that include artifact replicas with lesson plans, or books authored by Native scholars. These resources are designed to foster accurate cultural understanding.

If you’re buying for your home, think about how the piece will be displayed. Avoid placing ceremonial items in inappropriate contexts—for example, a sacred eagle feather (even if replicated) should never be used as a decoration in a bathroom or near a fireplace. The museum’s guidelines will help you understand which items are suitable for private ownership.

Remember: Native art is not merely decorative. It carries spiritual, historical, and communal weight. Your responsibility as a buyer extends beyond ownership—it includes respectful stewardship.

Step 6: Complete the Purchase with Intention

Once you’ve selected your item(s), proceed to checkout. The Mitchell Museum’s online store is secure and straightforward. You’ll be asked to provide shipping information and payment details. Payment methods typically include major credit cards, PayPal, and sometimes checks for institutional buyers.

During checkout, you may be offered the option to make a donation to the museum’s Indigenous Art Preservation Fund. This is not mandatory, but highly encouraged. Donations help fund artist residencies, conservation projects, and community outreach programs.

After completing your purchase, you’ll receive an automated confirmation email followed by a personalized letter from the museum’s director or curatorial staff. This letter often includes additional context about your chosen piece and may invite you to future exhibitions or virtual artist talks.

Step 7: Care for and Share Your Acquisition

Receiving your artwork is not the end—it’s the beginning of a relationship. Proper care ensures longevity and honors the artist’s labor.

For jewelry: Store in anti-tarnish cloth, avoid exposure to moisture or chemicals. Clean gently with a soft brush and mild soap.

For textiles and baskets: Keep away from direct sunlight, use acid-free tissue paper for storage, and maintain stable humidity levels.

For sculptures: Dust with a soft brush; avoid harsh cleaners or water.

Consider sharing your acquisition with others—host a small gathering to discuss the piece’s cultural meaning, or donate a photograph and description to a local library or school. Education is a powerful form of cultural preservation.

Best Practices

Shopping for Native art is not a passive activity. It demands mindfulness, humility, and a commitment to ethical engagement. Below are best practices distilled from decades of museum standards, Indigenous advocacy, and collector ethics.

Buy Direct from Trusted Institutions

Always prioritize purchases from museums, tribal-owned galleries, or certified Native cooperatives. The Mitchell Museum is one of the few institutions that combines academic rigor with community accountability. Avoid auction houses, flea markets, or online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon unless the seller provides verifiable artist documentation. Many so-called “Native” items sold on these platforms are counterfeit or culturally disrespectful.

Support Living Artists, Not Historical Replicas

While antique Native artifacts hold historical value, they are often held in public collections or tribal archives. The Mitchell Museum focuses on contemporary works by living artists. This ensures income flows directly to Indigenous creators and supports cultural continuity. When you buy a modern piece, you’re not just acquiring an object—you’re investing in a person’s livelihood and artistic legacy.

Understand Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a marginalized culture are taken without permission, context, or compensation. Cultural appreciation involves learning, respecting, and supporting the source. To avoid appropriation:

• Never wear sacred regalia as costume
• Do not use sacred symbols (e.g., Navajo sacred geometry, Lakota dreamcatchers with spiritual meaning) as fashion accessories
• Never mass-produce or reproduce designs without artist consent

The Mitchell Museum ensures all items for sale are created with cultural permission and artistic integrity. Your role is to honor that boundary.

Ask Questions, Don’t Assume

Never assume you understand the meaning behind a design. If a piece features a pattern you don’t recognize, ask. The museum’s staff are trained to explain cultural symbolism in accessible, non-exploitative ways. Your curiosity, when expressed respectfully, is welcomed.

Respect Intellectual Property

Native designs are often protected under tribal intellectual property laws. Even if a pattern appears “traditional,” it may be owned or regulated by a specific family or clan. The Mitchell Museum only sells pieces where rights have been cleared. Do not attempt to replicate designs for commercial use without explicit permission.

Consider the Environmental Impact

Many Native artists use sustainably sourced materials: wild-harvested porcupine quills, reclaimed silver, naturally dyed fibers. When you buy from the museum, you’re supporting eco-conscious practices. Avoid items made with synthetic dyes, plastic beads, or non-renewable materials unless explicitly noted as contemporary reinterpretations.

Engage Beyond the Purchase

True cultural stewardship doesn’t end at checkout. Attend virtual lectures, donate to the museum’s education fund, volunteer for outreach programs, or share your experience on social media—always crediting the artist and the museum. Amplifying authentic voices helps combat misinformation and fosters broader public understanding.

Tools and Resources

Successful shopping for Native art requires more than a credit card—it requires knowledge. Below are essential tools and resources to support your journey.

Mitchell Museum Online Collection Database

The museum’s digital archive is the most comprehensive public resource for verified Native art. It includes high-resolution images, curator notes, and links to related exhibitions. Visit mitchellmuseum.org/collection to explore. You can search by keyword, artist, tribe, or object type.

Native American Art Dealers Association (NAADA)

NAADA is a professional organization that certifies art dealers who adhere to strict ethical standards. While the Mitchell Museum is not a dealer, its practices align with NAADA’s code. Review their guidelines at naada.org to understand industry best practices.

Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) Database

Administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the IACA protects Native artists from fraud and misrepresentation. Use their public database to verify whether an artist is federally recognized and eligible to label their work as “Native-made.” Access it at doi.gov/indianarts.

Books for Cultural Context

• Native American Art in the Twentieth Century by W. Jackson Rushing
• Native American Jewelry: A Guide to Styles, Designs, and Materials by Mary B. Davis
• Shifting the Narrative: Native American Art and the Museum by Kathleen Ash-Milby
• Contemporary Native American Artists: Voices from the Circle by Linda M. Waggoner

These texts provide historical depth and critical perspectives on the evolution of Native art in modern contexts.

Online Learning Platforms

Many tribal nations and cultural organizations offer free online courses:

• Native Knowledge 360° by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian: americanindian.si.edu/nk360
• Indigenous Art and Identity by Coursera (offered in partnership with the University of British Columbia)
• Wisdom of the Elders podcast series by the Mitchell Museum

Art Conservation Guides

To preserve your purchase:

• American Institute for Conservation: culturalheritage.org – offers free care guides for textiles, metals, and wood
• Native American Art Conservation Handbook (available through museum publications)

Community Engagement Platforms

Follow Native artists and cultural organizations on social media:

• @indigenousartcollective on Instagram
• @mitchellmuseum on Twitter
• Native American Rights Fund (NARF) on Facebook

These platforms often share updates on new releases, artist interviews, and cultural events.

Real Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how ethical shopping practices translate into meaningful outcomes.

Example 1: A Hopi Silver and Turquoise Ring

A collector in Portland purchased a sterling silver ring from the Mitchell Museum featuring a stylized kachina face. The artist, a member of the Hopi Tribe’s Second Mesa community, explained that the design represented the spirit of Koko, a guardian figure associated with rain and fertility. The museum provided a letter from the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office confirming the design was not sacred and could be worn publicly. The collector later donated a photograph of the ring to a local high school’s Native Studies program, sparking a student-led project on Hopi cosmology.

Example 2: A Navajo Weaving Blanket

An educator in Chicago bought a handwoven Navajo blanket made with natural indigo and cochineal dyes. The artist, a member of the Navajo Nation’s Tohatchi community, had spent over 600 hours on the piece using a traditional upright loom. The museum included a video link to the artist demonstrating her technique. The educator used the blanket as a centerpiece in a unit on Indigenous textile traditions, inviting a Navajo weaver to speak virtually to her class. Students wrote essays on the symbolism of the “Storm Pattern” woven into the border.

Example 3: A Tlingit Carved Wooden Mask

A corporate executive commissioned a limited-edition Tlingit mask for his office’s cultural diversity initiative. The museum connected him with a Tlingit artist from Sitka, Alaska, who designed a mask representing the Raven, a trickster and creator figure. The artist insisted the mask be displayed in a quiet, respectful space—not as a trophy or decoration. The executive installed it in a private reading room with a plaque explaining its cultural meaning. He later funded a scholarship for Tlingit youth pursuing art education.

Example 4: A Native Youth Art Kit

A grandmother bought a “Native Art for Young Creators” kit for her granddaughter. The kit included materials for making beaded earrings, a step-by-step guide by an Ojibwe artist, and a booklet on Anishinaabe storytelling. The granddaughter later presented her creations at her school’s cultural fair, explaining the meaning of the floral patterns she used. The museum featured her project in its “Next Generation” newsletter.

FAQs

Can I return a piece if I change my mind?

Yes, the Mitchell Museum accepts returns within 30 days for unused items in original condition. However, due to the cultural significance of each piece, returns are rare. The museum encourages thoughtful purchasing and offers detailed descriptions to help you decide.

Are all items in the museum store made by enrolled tribal members?

Yes. Every artist represented in the Mitchell Museum store is either federally recognized or affiliated with a state-recognized tribe and has provided documentation of their heritage. The museum verifies enrollment status and cultural connection for every vendor.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes, the museum ships internationally. Customs fees and import taxes are the responsibility of the buyer. All items are packaged with documentation to facilitate smooth customs clearance.

Is it appropriate to gift Native art to someone who is not Indigenous?

Yes, provided the gift is given with understanding and respect. Avoid gifting sacred or ceremonial items. Choose pieces that celebrate beauty, skill, and cultural expression—not stereotypes. Include a note explaining the artist’s background and the meaning behind the design.

How do I know if a design is culturally sensitive?

The museum ensures all designs are culturally appropriate for sale. If you’re uncertain, contact their curatorial team. They can explain whether a motif is public, private, or restricted. Never assume a pattern is “universal” to all Native cultures.

Can I commission a custom piece through the museum?

Yes, the museum occasionally facilitates commissioned works through its Artist Residency Program. Contact the curatorial department to inquire about availability and process. Custom commissions require a minimum six-month lead time and a deposit.

Do you sell reproductions or mass-produced items?

No. The Mitchell Museum does not sell reproductions, knock-offs, or factory-made items. Every piece is handcrafted by the named artist.

How does the museum ensure artists are fairly compensated?

The museum operates on a transparent revenue-sharing model. Artists receive 70% of the sale price. The remaining 30% supports museum operations, conservation, and educational outreach. This model ensures artists earn a living wage while the institution continues its mission.

What if I find a similar item elsewhere at a lower price?

Price is not always an indicator of authenticity. Lower-priced items are often imitations or stolen designs. The Mitchell Museum’s pricing reflects the artist’s time, materials, cultural knowledge, and ethical production standards. You are paying for integrity, not just an object.

Can I visit the museum to shop in person?

Yes. The museum’s physical store is open to the public during regular hours. In-person visits allow you to examine textures, sizes, and details up close. Staff are available to provide guided tours of the collection and answer questions.

Conclusion

Shopping for Native art through the Mitchell Museum is a profound act of cultural engagement. It is not a purchase in the traditional sense—it is a partnership. When you buy from this institution, you are not just acquiring an object; you are affirming the value of Indigenous knowledge, supporting living artists, and contributing to the preservation of traditions that have endured for millennia.

The steps outlined in this guide—researching artists, verifying provenance, understanding cultural context, and practicing ethical stewardship—are not merely recommendations. They are essential practices for anyone who wishes to honor Native cultures with integrity. The Mitchell Museum provides a rare and vital platform where art, education, and ethics converge. By following these guidelines, you become part of a larger movement toward justice, representation, and cultural reciprocity.

As you select your next piece, remember: every bead, every brushstroke, every woven thread carries the voice of a community. Your responsibility is not to own that voice—but to listen to it, protect it, and share it with others.

Let your next acquisition be more than a decoration. Let it be a declaration of respect.