Francesco Clark: The Other Side of the Mole Hill
60 Black Music Style Icons
Unexpected Treasures: African Figure
Filed under: Art
F
or our first Luxist Unexpected Treasures column we got hit with a bit of a puzzler. Lynne from Songs of Now, an art and curio shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico sent us an image of the little guy shown at right. She reports that they found the fellow, who sits just under 8 inches tall, at an estate sale. The previous owner told them that he picked it up during his travels in Africa.
We consulted a couple of experts. Andrew Berz, of Sujaro Gallery in San Francisco tells us that indeed the piece resembles decorative bronze and brass standing figures that he has seen on occasions in the market in both Bamako, Mali and in Accra, Ghana. He tells Luxist that the pieces are not identifiable with one tribe and are not authentic pieces made for use in a tribal context.
Another expert, Tom Slater of Heritage Auctions says that the African figure market is still a new market and that while a few contemporary African artists have developed reputations and followings, both in Africa and in the West, most is by anonymous artists and therefore the value is generally whatever the eye of the beholder dictates. Slater says that if the work was by an identified hand whose work has an established market it would have a greater value.
He says this figure "does not appear to fit in any traditional tribal style, and doesn't seem like a particularly distinguished sculpture." His estimate is that the small figure would probably retail in a shop or gallery anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to perhaps somewhat over $1,000, depending on size and the location and price points of the shop.
To submit your own Unexpected Treasure, see the instructions here.
or our first Luxist Unexpected Treasures column we got hit with a bit of a puzzler. Lynne from Songs of Now, an art and curio shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico sent us an image of the little guy shown at right. She reports that they found the fellow, who sits just under 8 inches tall, at an estate sale. The previous owner told them that he picked it up during his travels in Africa. We consulted a couple of experts. Andrew Berz, of Sujaro Gallery in San Francisco tells us that indeed the piece resembles decorative bronze and brass standing figures that he has seen on occasions in the market in both Bamako, Mali and in Accra, Ghana. He tells Luxist that the pieces are not identifiable with one tribe and are not authentic pieces made for use in a tribal context.
Another expert, Tom Slater of Heritage Auctions says that the African figure market is still a new market and that while a few contemporary African artists have developed reputations and followings, both in Africa and in the West, most is by anonymous artists and therefore the value is generally whatever the eye of the beholder dictates. Slater says that if the work was by an identified hand whose work has an established market it would have a greater value.
He says this figure "does not appear to fit in any traditional tribal style, and doesn't seem like a particularly distinguished sculpture." His estimate is that the small figure would probably retail in a shop or gallery anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to perhaps somewhat over $1,000, depending on size and the location and price points of the shop.
To submit your own Unexpected Treasure, see the instructions here.
PHOTOS: Most And Least Christian States In America
Rookie Cop Reportedly Berated, Called 'A Rat' For Arresting Off-Duty Officer
Brooke Shields Goes From 'Pretty Baby' To Gorgeous Woman
Rodents Run Amok at Upstate New York Walmart
Apple CEO Tim Cook interview at D10: the liveblog
New Video Shows Face-Eating Attack Lasted 18 Minutes
How I Went Bankrupt at 23
Can a New Guy Save Best Buy?
Waiter Down On His Luck Scores 19,000 Percent Tip
Beyonce 60-Pound Weight Loss: Queen B Flaunts New Figure During Comeback Concert Series
Walmart Ending Membership in Conservative Group
Does Tebow Have A Secret Girlfriend?
What's a Realistic Retirement Age?
I'm A Successful Entrepreneur But Might Get Deported
The State With The Most Smokers Is...
Mark Zuckerberg Makes Surprise Cameo on Chinese TV
Do Women Have A "Sexual Prime'"?
PHOTOS: Did Jess Get Too Much Photoshop?
Seattle Gunman Kills 5, Injures 1 Before Shooting Self To Death
Disturbing Video Allegedly Shows Montreal Torso Suspect Murdering Victim
LOOK: Photos Of Military Moms Breastfeeding In Uniform Cause Controversy
WATCH: Fox News Makes A Straight-Up GOP Commercial
VIDEO, PHOTOS: Man Who Chewed Off Victim's Face ID'd
Chander Lost More Than 70 Pounds: 'I'm A Fitness Freak!'
10 Inventors Killed By Their Own Inventions
CNN Crisis Worsens
Kathie Lee's Awkward Gaffe About Martin Short's Dead Wife
Naked Face Eater's Victim ID'd
'Private Practice' Cast Shake Up
Parents Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder After Children's Tragic Deaths
Boy Buys Old Polaroid Camera, Finds Picture Of Uncle
Man Allegedly Disembowels Himself And Throws Intestines At Cops