Collecting African Art by Douglas Yaney:
African art was originally collected by Western explorers and slave traders because nothing quite like it had been seen before. The objects were usually regarded as curiosities with no particular artistic value.
In time, many pieces made their way into various European museums as trophies of conquest through war and religious conversion. Eventually African art was discovered by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti and Braque who started incorporating the unusual geometric lines and shapes into their own work, resulting in what was becoming known as “cubism”.
Along with the success of these and other European artists came the validation of the African art itself. As original African objects found their way out of collections and into the influential auction houses, the prices and status of these extraordinary antique African works started rising dramatically. Of course the original creators were simply making functional, yet powerful masks, statues and other items to be used in their daily life in the village. It is doubtful these men had any sense of how they were affecting European art.
Authentic antique African art has increasingly become an excellent investment to the collector because unlike other investments, the value is rarely diminished.
Today, investment in good quality African art is even more important. Unlike other investments that we have all seen vanish into thin air recently, African art is something we can actually hold in our hands. We can feel the smooth patina of wood that has been handled by many hands in the past. We can admire and enjoy its beauty for as long as we have it in our care. My advice is to always buy what you like....that piece or style that catches your eye for one reason or another. This way you can never go wrong.
Quality Rating Scale by Dr. Seiber:
1. Authentic tribal pieces usually used in tribal ceremonies. The highest rating for authenticity and quality – usually with some age but even newer pieces if authentic and embodying a spiritual dimension.
2. “B Grade Authentic” - Same as 1 except diminished some by condition, newness, or style and quality of the artist’s effort.
3. Decorative newer pieces – still good quality, but sometimes copies. Most often a continuum of an established and traditional tribal piece but with an incorrect patina. Decorative value.
4. African arts made to be sold to foreigners – Europeans, Americans, and others. Not necessarily tribal, could be folk or contemporary.
5. “Airport” or tourist art (souvenirs). Lowest grade and made in great quantities.
Enjoy African art for its historical significance. Enjoy the power of the forms and designs as they move you. One can gain such personal satisfaction and accomplishment with the formation of a collection. Because tribal art is very geometric and exists strongly in a three dimensional space, it is very much up front : its presence can be awe inspiring. Early collectors thought the art was crude and primitive, yet today we understand that the forms and styles in African art are exactly the way the artists chose to represent them. Strong, focused, and contemplative, tribal art nurtures our souls.
African art was originally collected by Western explorers and slave traders because nothing quite like it had been seen before. The objects were usually regarded as curiosities with no particular artistic value.
In time, many pieces made their way into various European museums as trophies of conquest through war and religious conversion. Eventually African art was discovered by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti and Braque who started incorporating the unusual geometric lines and shapes into their own work, resulting in what was becoming known as “cubism”.
Along with the success of these and other European artists came the validation of the African art itself. As original African objects found their way out of collections and into the influential auction houses, the prices and status of these extraordinary antique African works started rising dramatically. Of course the original creators were simply making functional, yet powerful masks, statues and other items to be used in their daily life in the village. It is doubtful these men had any sense of how they were affecting European art.
Authentic antique African art has increasingly become an excellent investment to the collector because unlike other investments, the value is rarely diminished.
Today, investment in good quality African art is even more important. Unlike other investments that we have all seen vanish into thin air recently, African art is something we can actually hold in our hands. We can feel the smooth patina of wood that has been handled by many hands in the past. We can admire and enjoy its beauty for as long as we have it in our care. My advice is to always buy what you like....that piece or style that catches your eye for one reason or another. This way you can never go wrong.
Quality Rating Scale by Dr. Seiber:
1. Authentic tribal pieces usually used in tribal ceremonies. The highest rating for authenticity and quality – usually with some age but even newer pieces if authentic and embodying a spiritual dimension.
2. “B Grade Authentic” - Same as 1 except diminished some by condition, newness, or style and quality of the artist’s effort.
3. Decorative newer pieces – still good quality, but sometimes copies. Most often a continuum of an established and traditional tribal piece but with an incorrect patina. Decorative value.
4. African arts made to be sold to foreigners – Europeans, Americans, and others. Not necessarily tribal, could be folk or contemporary.
5. “Airport” or tourist art (souvenirs). Lowest grade and made in great quantities.
Enjoy African art for its historical significance. Enjoy the power of the forms and designs as they move you. One can gain such personal satisfaction and accomplishment with the formation of a collection. Because tribal art is very geometric and exists strongly in a three dimensional space, it is very much up front : its presence can be awe inspiring. Early collectors thought the art was crude and primitive, yet today we understand that the forms and styles in African art are exactly the way the artists chose to represent them. Strong, focused, and contemplative, tribal art nurtures our souls.
