March 28, 2009
Questions to Prove the Authenticity of a Piece of African Art
It is a very difficult job selecting a piece of African art and it is even tougher to establish whether the piece you picked is original or not. Usually there are very minor differences between the original African art pieces and the fake ones and to a lay viewer both look the same.
But one can sift the grain from the chaff if one asks the right questions and evaluates the art piece on that basis. To pick an original African art piece you need to ask the local dealer or any online dealer some pertinent questions. Here they are:
Is the carving of the art piece good and smooth?
Is the patina showing signs of wear at places where the chances of being touched are the most?
What is the rare or unique quality of the art piece?
Has the piece been restored or repaired?
Can the origin of the piece be traced back?
Is the size of the art piece similar to that of the traditional size and use of similar kinds of pieces?
If the piece has been repaired? It it has been restored, is the price reflecting that status?
Is the art piece unusual?
What is the auction price of similar art objects and works from the same tribe?
Is the style of the piece you want to buy consistent with other pieces from the same tribe or era?
Do you like the piece well enough to spend such a huge sum of money?
