Art Dealer Sued Over Alleged Fake Antique Rattle

A gallery owner has filed a lawsuit claiming an $80,000 ceremonial artifact is a forgery.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Native American

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an abstract wooden bird artifact, evoking the tension of a high-value art authentication dispute. — New York gallery owner Maureen Zarember has sued Santa Fe dealer Alan Kessler, alleging an $80,000 ceremonial raven rattle she purchased is a fake. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maureen Zarember has filed a lawsuit in state District Court against dealer Alan Kessler. The litigation follows Zarember's $80,000 purchase of a ceremonial raven rattle she alleges is a fake.

Why it matters

The dispute centers on the authenticity of a high-value piece that was allegedly carved by a Tsimshian artist for a Tlingit chief. The outcome could impact the market for rare ethnographic collectibles.

The transaction for the ceremonial raven rattle totaled $80,000. It remains under investigation whether the piece is a genuine antique or a modern reproduction.

The players

Maureen Zarember

She is an art gallery owner based in New York City who specializes in ethnographic artifacts.

Alan Kessler

He is an art dealer who maintains a gallery located on Canyon Road in Santa Fe.

The details

The item was presented at the Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show in Santa Fe, where the two parties met. Zarember, who operates a gallery in New York City, filed the lawsuit after alleging the object sold by Kessler, who has a gallery on Canyon Road, was not authentic.

August 2026: Zarember and Kessler met at the art show.
September 2026: The lawsuit was filed in state District Court.

Culture Shift

This dispute reflects the increasing scrutiny applied to the authenticity of items traded at prestige venues like the 2026 Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show. As the market for ethnographic art matures, collectors and dealers are facing heightened pressure to provide verified provenance for rare cultural artifacts.

Collectors visiting Santa Fe galleries should prioritize requesting thorough provenance documentation before completing high-value transactions. This case underscores the importance of verifying the origin of artifacts to avoid significant financial losses.

The takeaway

Authenticity disputes in the high-end art world highlight the necessity of professional appraisals for rare ethnographic items. Buyers should remain cautious and ensure they have recourse in the event that an item's history is contested.