Tips to Determine African Art Value & Authenticity

Evaluating the value and authenticity of African art begins with understanding traditional craftsmanship, patina, provenance, and tribal origins. Key factors such as carving quality, condition, rarity, and documented history all influence market value. By learning what collectors and experts look for, you can better assess African tribal art and make more confident buying decisions.

Look closely at the piece. Is it well carved? Is the patina logical (worn on raised areas, not inside holes)? When you look with a magnifying glass, there should not be parallel lines from modern sanding. Is the style consistent with similar pieces? Compare it with examples in museum collections.

Ethnical provenance matters. Even with similar quality, the art of different tribes can vary greatly in value. For example, Luba works often have higher value than Lobi.

Pedigree is important. A piece collected in the 1930s has more value than a similar piece recently brought from the field. Published pieces—especially those featured multiple times in reputable exhibition catalogs—tend to be worth more.

Fashion also influences prices. Currently, collectors often prefer pieces with strong aesthetics and decorative qualities, sometimes favoring shiny surfaces. Some modern collectors focus more on form than on original patina or age.

Condition matters: excessive restoration decreases value.

Provenance—where the piece came from—plays a major role in determining authenticity and price.

Size can influence value. Many pieces measure 40–50 cm; larger examples often command higher prices, even when quality is the same.

Auction results and exhibition history also matter. Some tribes are especially desirable, particularly when record auction prices have been achieved.

Freshness on the market and rarity of production within a tribe can increase desirability.

Finally, consider the seller. A well-known gallery or knowledgeable collector may charge more, but buying from a reputable source increases your chances of acquiring a higher-quality piece.

The above information was reprinted courtesy of a long-gone African antiques dealer.
A link to the source is no longer available.


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