Instructions
Determine what type of artifact you are interested in buying. There are many different varieties of Indian artifacts, such as dream catchers, clothing, pipes, flutes, drums and other relics. Consider if there is a specific Indian tribe or geographic location from which you want to collect artifacts---if you are decorating a room or your house, for example, you should have a consistent theme among the decorative artifacts. See the Resources section for a sample list of North American tribes by region.
Set a budget, as artifacts are often expensive. For example, collector items in the pottery inventory at Caddo Trading Company range from $150 to well over $3,000. If you are working with a lower budget, you'll need to consider less rare artifacts, such as arrowheads and common flint tools.
Find a vendor or collector who specializes in either the tribe or type of artifact that you've selected. See the Resources section for a nationwide directory of American Indian art dealers.
Contact a vendor to determine if he has any artifacts in stock that suit your wants and needs. Working with a local vendor is preferable, as it affords you the opportunity to investigate the wares firsthand rather than strictly over the Internet.