Authenticity 

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Given the fact that Inuit sculptures are highly prized as Canadian souvenirs and as art objects, it is unfortunately inevitable that mass-produced reproductions and imitations have proliferated. These items, made of plastic, ceramic or „cast stone“, sometimes tempt the uninformed consumer by their lower price. These imitations generally have no investment or aesthetic value whatsoever, and are in no way endorsed by the Canadian government or the Inuit of Canada. In fact, they tend to lower the image and reduce the sales of genuine Inuit scultpure, thus depriving Inuit artists of income.

To protect the consumer and Inuit carvers, the Canadian government has registered the symbol of the igloo as a trademark. Sculptures bearing this "Igloo tag“ or sticker are certified to be handmade by Inuit.

Inuit carvers often - but not always - incise the bottoms of their works with their signatures in Roman letters or syllabics. Some sculptures may also have a "disc number“ inscribed on the bottom. These numbers, prefixed by an “E“ or “W“, are another kind of signiture.

Reproduced with permission from the Canadian Government Booklet: Canadian Inuit Sculpture