Santa Fe cultural zone mulled after PH-made ‘Native jewelry’ bust

Mayor Javier Gonzales of Santa Fe, New Mexico wants a cultural district to protect the Native American crafts market from imported fakes from countries like the Philippines.

SANTA FE, New Mexico — Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales is proposing a cultural district to cut down on vendors selling faux Native American art.

Gonzales has proposed an ordinance that would require vendors within the district to disclose the origins of their artwork or face the loss of their business license.

The proposal comes less than two months after a federal sting operation that resulted in the arrest of three New Mexicans who were charged with violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act by allegedly conspiring to sell Filipino-made jewelry as Native-made.

According to data from the University of New Mexico, counterfeit art may make up as much as 40 to 90 percent of the Native arts market.

The city ordinance on creating a cultural district will be open for public comment.

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