1. Authenticity and Provenance

We require all listings to include accurate descriptions and verifiable provenance where possible. Sellers must disclose any known history, including acquisition details, to help buyers make informed decisions.

• Prohibit the sale of reproductions misrepresented as authentic.
• Encourage the use of expert appraisals or certificates from reputable sources.
• Reference our blog post on “Authentic vs. Fake Tribal Artifacts” for tips on spotting genuine pieces.

2. Cultural Sensitivity

Tribal artifacts often carry deep cultural, spiritual, or historical meaning for indigenous communities. We promote respect for these origins:

• Transparency, Provenance, Respect, and consent-based works (e.g., under international agreements).
• Encourage educational content in listings to highlight cultural context without exploitation.
• Discourage commodification that disrespects living traditions, such as items used in ongoing rituals.

3. Legal Compliance

All activities on TribalArt.com must adhere to local, national, and international laws governing cultural property:

• Ban the trade of illicitly exported or stolen artifacts, in line with the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
• For U.S. users, comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) for Native American items.
• Require sellers to confirm legal ownership and provide export/import documentation if applicable.

4. Fair Trading

We promote transparent and equitable transactions:

• Listings must include clear pricing, condition reports, and high-quality images.
• Implement anti-fraud measures, such as secure payment options and buyer/seller verification.
• Provide tools for dispute resolution, including mediation through our support team.

5. Sustainability

Recognizing the environmental impact of artifact collection:

• Encourage sustainable sourcing from ethical suppliers who support community-led initiatives.
• Promote conservation efforts, such as avoiding items made from endangered materials (e.g., ivory under CITES regulations).
• Support digital alternatives, like high-res scans, for fragile or rare pieces to reduce physical handling.

User Responsibilities

• Sellers: Provide honest information, respond promptly to inquiries, and ship items securely. Report any ethical concerns about other listings.
• Buyers: Research provenance, ask questions, and verify authenticity before purchase. Respect sellers’ terms and provide feedback.
• All Users: Report violations via our contact form. Engage in discussions that educate rather than divide.

Enforcement

TribalArt.com actively monitors listings through automated tools and user reports. Violations may result in:

• Removal of ads.
• Account suspension or permanent bans.
• Reporting to authorities for serious breaches (e.g., trafficking). We review reports within 48 hours and aim for fair resolutions.

Resources

For further guidance:

• UNESCO Cultural Heritage Laws
• International Council of Museums (ICOM) Code of Ethics
• Interpol’s Works of Art Database
• Our Blog: Explore posts on authentication and cultural topics for best practices.

This Code of Ethics is effective as of January 2, 2026, and may be updated periodically. We welcome user feedback to strengthen our community—contact us

TribalArt.com reserves the right to interpret and enforce this code at its discretion.