Dear group,

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

A member of this group who is from Spain that I have been corresponding with for about a year and a half now has sent me a request for help in identification of some pieces in his collection.

 

He is a very passionate young collector of many things and has been identifying and photographing the items in his collection and is putting a small website together for them all. There are a few that he is having trouble with identifying and I told him I would post the message to the group to see if anyone might be able to assist him.

 

An interesting story about how he began collecting, which I hope he doesn’t mind me sharing, is the following:

 

I tell you my story. When I was only twelve, my mother gave me a particular present in my birthday. She bought me two masks (not african, I think form <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />South America). Then I began to be interested in maks. Instead of demand toys and tipical things for my age, I wanted african mask and Antiques (I collect both).

 

I have provided links to the photos and have numbered them 1 to 6 so if people respond they can place their attribution next to a number. The goal here is to help this collector in identifying these items he is having trouble with, he is not necessarily interested in having the pieces critiqued.

 

Thank you to anyone who can be of assistance to him, his name is Jose.

 

 He asks:

 

Do you think this mask is Bwa or Bobo?

 

1)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UAAAAKgWoHREeOYETIxn!FaQqw0cEk*gAeLrFr6JNXh7qDiy1!sqcFuxu9tf27f9j9NC1btgX3wqtYKkPu5cRlJiqGnk78xr6sYpMcdzi1rpEW2x2HJIBAAAAAAAAAAA/M%C3%A1scara%20Bwo%201.jpg?dc=4675515715616813504

 

The seller said “Bobo” but I have seen some pictures of Bwa, and they have similar masks.

For example, this photo has been taken to a Bwa And it´s really similar to mine.

: http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/Burkina_mask_catalogue/image/1768_bwa_boni_funeral.jpg

 

·                                 2)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XwAjA90aSO6MDWt0E7a3xTDzvHBtlKZVKnUQcKxCxlbqELZIxUOoBayK29i!!HPzp4vonAoIMSiSTpwkGiYtYw3Mi2IMeM!L09o0FVDNRi3pFdliWBaMRBxFHAx6AhEpwIgvYRtzHVA/Figura%20B%C3%A1mbara%20A1%20(Abuelo).JPG?dc=4675512965691773615 The seller said it was bamana, but I am not sure.

 

·                                 3)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0VgD5AsUY*SBEeOYETIxn!FaQqw0cEk*gIep95KwsBcNWCqMJBdETZtooSPifIWnd4qeb*Fsr6CF23CzcYF79zdk3JAhB0tgN6XD3mEXPPWyVqK5i3ieqbn76nlv7r8!G/M%C3%A1scara%20Terracota%201.JPG?dc=4675512965762936451 It´s made of Terra Cotta. I have never seen another like this one.

 

·                                 4)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TgAsA8EWn30IfjkMWz19oPw5*iU8lp!XduuDeGcXlzzCuZvyEZGjw1cpGWLWJlqy3KX*9xdwN4Cm*1pYw2wSv40u*ce1zWVkzroGmlIA*HXKNzJ8VYjEKw/Fetiche%20Yoruba%201.JPG?dc=4675512967132787637 It´s a fetish. The seller said Yoruba but I am not sure.

 

·                                 5)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0WAAWAx8YzwREeOYETIxn!FaQqw0cEk*gbQWGhuxueLMAaMXvO9kkbTXcVXltqg*Glu5nwcoz2UXvWWWViQoTUL8MvcuDcVTKpKvgDvudtq*1BweLm!6Kt1u0swWpmgl*NwAAAP****8/M%C3%A1scara%20Baul%C3%A9%20A1.JPG?dc=4675512967186320428 Are you sure it is baulé? It´s very similar to gouro masks. What is the differences between them??

 

·                                 6)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TwAwAyMXWZgDCYo2GDS3vUOp74oOEUBIKw872ovPaOsTbPEViyf3*5MUfnURwY9ZY8FjQ*2xHEJ0H1ahSLw*NCjgnwaFq3YZsO9wA7goyMF858lBBcem6Q/Sin%20Identificar%201.JPG?dc=4675512967281668702 It seems to be baulé, but I am not sure.

 

 

 

 

---

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Rand, Jose,
I know Jose didn't want a critique however it is difficult not to
give an opinion and reason when the attribution is technically saying
that a piece is "in the style of......"
Anyway here goes:-
1, Bwa ??
2,??
3, Baule although I don't know if the Baule made terracota masks.
4, Looks like in the Kongo style to me not Yoruba
5, Baule/Yaure as has previously been suggested although I also think
there is a mixture of styles here and this suggests a decorative
commercial piece rather than ceremonial.
6,Again a mixture of styles ,Igbo mouth and I can also see influences
of Baule and Puno, a real mixture so again suggesting a decorative
piece.
Hope this has been of help.
Cheers
Craig




--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, Rand African Art <rand@r...>
wrote:
>
> Dear group,
>
>
>
> A member of this group who is from Spain that I have been
corresponding with for about a year and a half now has sent me a
request for help in identification of some pieces in his collection.
>
>
>
> He is a very passionate young collector of many things and has been
identifying and photographing the items in his collection and is
putting a small website together for them all. There are a few that
he is having trouble with identifying and I told him I would post the
message to the group to see if anyone might be able to assist him.
>
>
>
> An interesting story about how he began collecting, which I hope he
doesn't mind me sharing, is the following:
>
>
>
> I tell you my story. When I was only twelve, my mother gave me a
particular present in my birthday. She bought me two masks (not
african, I think form South America). Then I began to be interested
in maks. Instead of demand toys and tipical things for my age, I
wanted african mask and Antiques (I collect both).
>
>
>
> I have provided links to the photos and have numbered them 1 to 6
so if people respond they can place their attribution next to a
number. The goal here is to help this collector in identifying these
items he is having trouble with, he is not necessarily interested in
having the pieces critiqued.
>
>
>
> Thank you to anyone who can be of assistance to him, his name is
Jose.
>
>
>
>  He asks:
>
>
>
> Do you think this mask is Bwa or Bobo?
>
>
>
> 1)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UAAAAKgWoHREeOYETIxn!
FaQqw0cEk*gAeLrFr6JNXh7qDiy1!
sqcFuxu9tf27f9j9NC1btgX3wqtYKkPu5cRlJiqGnk78xr6sYpMcdzi1rpEW2x2HJIBAAA
AAAAAAAA/M%C3%A1scara%20Bwo%201.jpg?dc=4675515715616813504
>
>
>
> The seller said "Bobo" but I have seen some pictures of
Bwa, and
they have similar masks.
>
> For example, this photo has been taken to a Bwa And it´s really
similar to mine.
>
> :
http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/Burkina_mask_catalogue/image/1768_bwa_b
oni_funeral.jpg
>
>
>
> ·                                 2)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XwAjA90aSO6MDWt0E7a3xTDzvHBtlKZVKnUQcKx
CxlbqELZIxUOoBayK29i!!HPzp4vonAoIMSiSTpwkGiYtYw3Mi2IMeM!
L09o0FVDNRi3pFdliWBaMRBxFHAx6AhEpwIgvYRtzHVA/Figura%20B%C3%A1mbara%
20A1%20(Abuelo).JPG?dc=4675512965691773615 The seller said it was
bamana, but I am not sure.
>
>
>
> ·                                 3)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0VgD5AsUY*SBEeOYETIxn!
FaQqw0cEk*gIep95KwsBcNWCqMJBdETZtooSPifIWnd4qeb*Fsr6CF23CzcYF79zdk3JAh
B0tgN6XD3mEXPPWyVqK5i3ieqbn76nlv7r8!G/M%C3%A1scara%20Terracota%
201.JPG?dc=4675512965762936451 It´s made of Terra Cotta. I have
never
seen another like this one.
>
>
>
> ·                                 4)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TgAsA8EWn30IfjkMWz19oPw5*iU8lp!
XduuDeGcXlzzCuZvyEZGjw1cpGWLWJlqy3KX*9xdwN4Cm*1pYw2wSv40u*ce1zWVkzroGm
lIA*HXKNzJ8VYjEKw/Fetiche%20Yoruba%201.JPG?dc=4675512967132787637
It´s a fetish. The seller said Yoruba but I am not sure.
>
>
>
> ·                                 5)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0WAAWAx8YzwREeOYETIxn!
FaQqw0cEk*gbQWGhuxueLMAaMXvO9kkbTXcVXltqg*Glu5nwcoz2UXvWWWViQoTUL8Mvcu
DcVTKpKvgDvudtq*1BweLm!6Kt1u0swWpmgl*NwAAAP****8/M%C3%A1scara%20Baul%
C3%A9%20A1.JPG?dc=4675512967186320428 Are you sure it is baulé?
It´s
very similar to gouro masks. What is the differences between them??
>
>
>
> ·                                 6)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TwAwAyMXWZgDCYo2GDS3vUOp74oOEUBIKw872ov
PaOsTbPEViyf3*5MUfnURwY9ZY8FjQ*2xHEJ0H1ahSLw*NCjgnwaFq3YZsO9wA7goyMF85
8lBBcem6Q/Sin%20Identificar%201.JPG?dc=4675512967281668702 It seems
to be baulé, but I am not sure.

cheers!

--- LRubinstein@... wrote:

> Antwan:
>
> If you are looking for the wonderful Henri Kamer
> article that Rand posted,
> it can be accessed on his web-site in html or pdf
> format at these links:
>
>
_http://www.randafricanart.com/Authenticity_of_African_Sculptures_Henri_Kamer.
> html_
>
(http://www.randafricanart.com/Authenticity_of_African_Sculptures_Henri_Kamer.ht\
ml)
>
>
>
_http://www.randafricanart.com/files/Henri_Kamer.pdf_
>
>
(http://www.randafricanart.com/files/Henri_Kamer.pdf)
>
>
> If this is not what you seek, please advise.
>
> best, Lee
>


http://www.ArtSiteAfrica.com/



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Hi Lee,
I was wondering if you (or anyone else)knew if the print of "leopard
in a cornfield" has been done several times by Bruce Onobrakpeya?
The reason I ask this is because the one I have seen is a mirror
image of the picture you posted and it was signed under the back
foot "Bruce Onobrakpeya 1965".
I am assuming that the one you posted a picture of is maybe another
(19 years later)slightly different version of the original?? (looks
almost identical apart from being mirror image although the picture
you posted is also quite small so its hard to tell)
Cheers
Craig








--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, LRubinstein@p... wrote:
> Dominique:
>
> Thanks for providing the link which I originally overlooked at the
bottom  of
> your message (#192).  ArtSiteAfrica offers an  incredible wealth of
> information, links, etc., which will be of great interest  to any
and all with interest
> in African traditional and contemporary,  African-American and
African
> Diaspora arts, events, issues...
> _http://www.ArtSiteAfrica.com/_ (http://www.ArtSiteAfrica.com/)
>
> One link which may be of particular interest to people who are or
will  be in
> the UK:
> _http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcafrica/africa05/_
> (http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcafrica/africa05/)
>
> And of particular interest to those living in or traveling through
the
> Baltimore-Washington, DC area, there are two "happenings" of note.
More or  less
> concurrent with the opening of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of
Maryland
> African-American History and Culture on June 25 is the opening of
this Urhobo
> exhibition curated by Perkins Foss at the NMAfA on the 23rd, which
includes
> traditional and contemporary works by Urhobo artists.
>
>
>     Urhobo Culture Explored at the  National Museum of African
Art
> (javascript:void
> window.open('http://artsiteafrica.com/index2.php?
option=com_content&task=view&id=387&Itemid=39&pop=1&page=0', 'win2',
> 'status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizabl
e=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=
> no,location=no');)   (javascript:void
> window.open('http://artsiteafrica.com/index2.php?
option=com_content&task=emailform&id=387', 'win2',
> 'status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizabl
e=yes,width=400,height=250,d
> irectories=no,location=no');)     Saturday, 04 June 2005
> _
> By  Bruce Onobrakpeya
>
> _ (http://artsiteafrica.com/images/stories/news/bruce-
onabrakpeya.jpg) The
> first exhibition  devoted exclusively to the art and culture of the
_Urhobo_
> (http://urhobowaado.info/)  people, who live in the Niger River
Delta in Southern
>  Nigeria, will open June 23.  " _Where  Gods and Mortals Meet:
Continuity and
> Renewal in Urhobo Art_
(http://www.carolinaarts.com/1004colamus2.html)  "
> will be on view in the museum's second level gallery  through Sept.
25.
>
> This exhibition continues the yearlong  celebration marking the
museum's 25th
> anniversary since becoming part of  the Smithsonian Institution in
1979.
> Organized by the Museum for  African Art, New York, and curated by
_Perkins
> Foss_ (http://urhobowaado.info/exhibit/foss-woods.htm) , a
professor and scholar
> of Urhobo Art,  "Where Gods and Mortals Meet" presents
approximately 70 works
> of mainly  traditional art, including monumental shrine figures and
water
> spirit  masks, and many field photos and videos showing the art in
its cultural
> context.  The contemporary works by renowned Urhobo painter and
printmaker_
> Bruce Onobrakpeya_ (http://www.bruceonobrakpeya.com/)  exhibited
throughout
> complement  the traditional works and provide a modern
interpretation of Urhobo
> ceremonies and ideas.
>
> _
> Male  Figure & Mask
>
> _ (http://artsiteafrica.com/images/stories/news/male-figure-
mask.jpg) "'Where
> Gods and  Mortals Meet' is an intimate look at the lives of the
Urhobo
> peoples of  Nigeria," says museum director Dr. Sharon F.
Patton.  "It deals with
> the efforts of present-day Urhobo to preserve and transmit
knowledge of  their
> ancestral culture in the face of their worldwide  diaspora."
>
> The exhibition shows how art presents ideals for  men and women,
strengthens
> relations with the spirits of nature and the  ancestors and is
central to
> shrines, ceremonies and festival  performances.  As is often the
case with Africa,
> the art provides a  perfect means to understanding the lives and
world view
> of the Urhobo  people as it reflects the many of realities of
Urhobo.
>
> The  exhibition is organized into six major sections.
>
> · Land, People,  Belief situates Urhoboland and establishes
important aspects
> of Urhobo art  and religion.
>
> · Images of Aggression presents a variety of  personal shrine art
that
> personifies the powerful ideals of Urhobo men,  such as aggressive
energy, forceful
> postures, successful hunting and  powerful oratorical skills.
>
> · Celebrating the Stages in Women's  Lives showcases the female
figure,
> masks, female dance groups, and  photographs of idealized beauty
that underscore
> the important role of  women in Urhobo society.
>
> · Communal Shrine Statuary for Ancestor  Spirits displays Urhobo
shrine
> figures and paraphernalia that represent  the founding ancestors as
a family unit
> commemorating the aggressiveness  that is necessary for the
survival and
> establishment of the  community.
>
> · Spirits from the Waters highlights the artworks and  elaborate
performances
> that revere various water spirits.
>
> · Pride  and Preservation: Urhobo Art and Culture in the 21st
Century uses
> photographs of Urhobo from around the world, video and computer
installations,
> and reading stations to provide a contemporary perspective  of the
> assimilation of traditional Urhobo spiritual expression in
contemporary art and culture.
>
> Highlights
>
> Exhibition  highlights include:
> · Over-life-size statues forming  families of ancestor spirits-the
founding
> men and women of a community  whose powers and fame elevated them
to the status
> of edjo (divinity).  Looming in darkened shrines, they are hidden
from public
> view for all but  a few days of the year. These statues reflect a
> contradiction inherent in  much of Urhobo art: they are held to be
both fearsome (to
> mortals) and  beautiful (to the spirit world).  On display are
three spectacular
> edjo figures, including two males and one female, who towers more
than 7  feet
> tall.
>
> · A statue of a mature woman beyond childbearing age  wearing
coiffure and
> ornaments appropriate to her high status and whose  chest and torso
are
> decorated with elaborate scarification patterns that  were popular
in the 19th century.
>
> _
> Leopard in the Cornfield
>
>
> _ (http://artsiteafrica.com/images/stories/news/leopard-in-
cornfield.jpg) ·
> "Leopard in a Cornfield, 1984," a vibrant  lithograph by Bruce
Onobrakpeya,
> inspired by a childhood event and  considered autobiographical.  He
recalls a
> painting of a leopard in  the exterior of a shrine building that
was so
> overwhelming in size and  full of vivid colors, that he first was
convinced it was
> real.
>
> ·  An intricately carved ancestor column made of wood  and
pigment.  In
> general, these columns commemorate deceased members  of a family
lineage-men and
> women-whose exploits are remembered from days  past.  Specifically,
this column
> commemorates Ovwah, a notable  19th-century merchant from the town
of Eherhe,
> AgbarhoVillage  Group.
>
> Enjoy.  Lee

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Jose Miguel, I am glad to hear
from you here. Please, consider that the first mask could be Nunuma,
instead of Bwa or Bobo. All the Bobo mask I know are helmet mask, and
in your photo I can't appreciate if yours is. Here you have an
interesting text from "African Masks", edited by prestel: <<The
Nunuma live southwest of the Mossi Plateau, to the east of the Marka
Dafing and the Bwa. They are often referred to as "Gurunsi", even
though the Nunuma themselves consider this a pejorative term.>>

Best regards,
Jose Francisco Ortega


--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, Rand African Art <rand@r...>
wrote:
>
> Dear group,
>
>
>
> A member of this group who is from Spain that I have been
corresponding with for about a year and a half now has sent me a
request for help in identification of some pieces in his collection.
>
>
>
> He is a very passionate young collector of many things and has been
identifying and photographing the items in his collection and is
putting a small website together for them all. There are a few that
he is having trouble with identifying and I told him I would post the
message to the group to see if anyone might be able to assist him.
>
>
>
> An interesting story about how he began collecting, which I hope he
doesn't mind me sharing, is the following:
>
>
>
> I tell you my story. When I was only twelve, my mother gave me a
particular present in my birthday. She bought me two masks (not
african, I think form South America). Then I began to be interested
in maks. Instead of demand toys and tipical things for my age, I
wanted african mask and Antiques (I collect both).
>
>
>
> I have provided links to the photos and have numbered them 1 to 6
so if people respond they can place their attribution next to a
number. The goal here is to help this collector in identifying these
items he is having trouble with, he is not necessarily interested in
having the pieces critiqued.
>
>
>
> Thank you to anyone who can be of assistance to him, his name is
Jose.
>
>
>
>  He asks:
>
>
>
> Do you think this mask is Bwa or Bobo?
>
>
>
> 1)http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UAAAAKgWoHREeOYETIxn!
FaQqw0cEk*gAeLrFr6JNXh7qDiy1!
sqcFuxu9tf27f9j9NC1btgX3wqtYKkPu5cRlJiqGnk78xr6sYpMcdzi1rpEW2x2HJIBAAA
AAAAAAAA/M%C3%A1scara%20Bwo%201.jpg?dc=4675515715616813504
>
>
>
> The seller said "Bobo" but I have seen some pictures of Bwa, and
they have similar masks.
>
> For example, this photo has been taken to a Bwa And it´s really
similar to mine.
>
> :
http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/Burkina_mask_catalogue/image/1768_bwa_b
oni_funeral.jpg
>
>
>
> ·                                 2)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XwAjA90aSO6MDWt0E7a3xTDzvHBtlKZVKnUQcKx
CxlbqELZIxUOoBayK29i!!HPzp4vonAoIMSiSTpwkGiYtYw3Mi2IMeM!
L09o0FVDNRi3pFdliWBaMRBxFHAx6AhEpwIgvYRtzHVA/Figura%20B%C3%A1mbara%
20A1%20(Abuelo).JPG?dc=4675512965691773615 The seller said it was
bamana, but I am not sure.
>
>
>
> ·                                 3)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0VgD5AsUY*SBEeOYETIxn!
FaQqw0cEk*gIep95KwsBcNWCqMJBdETZtooSPifIWnd4qeb*Fsr6CF23CzcYF79zdk3JAh
B0tgN6XD3mEXPPWyVqK5i3ieqbn76nlv7r8!G/M%C3%A1scara%20Terracota%
201.JPG?dc=4675512965762936451 It´s made of Terra Cotta. I have never
seen another like this one.
>
>
>
> ·                                 4)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TgAsA8EWn30IfjkMWz19oPw5*iU8lp!
XduuDeGcXlzzCuZvyEZGjw1cpGWLWJlqy3KX*9xdwN4Cm*1pYw2wSv40u*ce1zWVkzroGm
lIA*HXKNzJ8VYjEKw/Fetiche%20Yoruba%201.JPG?dc=4675512967132787637
It´s a fetish. The seller said Yoruba but I am not sure.
>
>
>
> ·                                 5)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0WAAWAx8YzwREeOYETIxn!
FaQqw0cEk*gbQWGhuxueLMAaMXvO9kkbTXcVXltqg*Glu5nwcoz2UXvWWWViQoTUL8Mvcu
DcVTKpKvgDvudtq*1BweLm!6Kt1u0swWpmgl*NwAAAP****8/M%C3%A1scara%20Baul%
C3%A9%20A1.JPG?dc=4675512967186320428 Are you sure it is baulé? It´s
very similar to gouro masks. What is the differences between them??
>
>
>
> ·                                 6)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TwAwAyMXWZgDCYo2GDS3vUOp74oOEUBIKw872ov
PaOsTbPEViyf3*5MUfnURwY9ZY8FjQ*2xHEJ0H1ahSLw*NCjgnwaFq3YZsO9wA7goyMF85
8lBBcem6Q/Sin%20Identificar%201.JPG?dc=4675512967281668702 It seems
to be baulé, but I am not sure.

Craig:

I don't have an immediate answer (really, nor any direct response at
all!) to your question but will see what I can find.  Generally
speaking, it is not so unusual for prints to be found in reverse
images, I believe; and the period you are discribing was likely one of
wide experimentation, so it is not unlikely that multiple and varied
prints exist of this image.  In the meanwhile, perhaps these sites will
help you to find images for comparison:

http://www.waado.org/UrhoboCulture/ArtsAndArtists/Onobrakpeya/BruceHomeP
age.html

http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/sh40/Onobrakpeya.html

http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/wwwhmar7.html

http://www.bruceonobrakpeya.com/

Let us know if you find out more information or sources in exploring
this inquiry.

Also...since Onobrakpeya drew from imagery of the Urhobo (his native
culture) and that of Benin (his childhood home)-- as well as Yoruba,
Igbo and Northern Nigerian influences among other African cultural
sources, an exploration of his work may be particularly exciting to a
wide array of persons who are just now beginning to consider the
continuities between so-called "traditional" arts and contemporary
african works!

Lee

Lee,
thanks for the links I will look more into it and let you know if I
come up with anything,
Cheers
Craig




--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "leerubinstein"
<LRubinstein@p...> wrote:
> Craig:
>
> I don't have an immediate answer (really, nor any direct response
at
> all!) to your question but will see what I can find.  Generally
> speaking, it is not so unusual for prints to be found in reverse
> images, I believe; and the period you are discribing was likely one
of
> wide experimentation, so it is not unlikely that multiple and
varied
> prints exist of this image.  In the meanwhile, perhaps these sites
will
> help you to find images for comparison:
>
>
http://www.waado.org/UrhoboCulture/ArtsAndArtists/Onobrakpeya/BruceHom
eP
> age.html
>
> http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/sh40/Onobrakpeya.html
>
> http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/wwwhmar7.html
>
> http://www.bruceonobrakpeya.com/
>
> Let us know if you find out more information or sources in
exploring
> this inquiry.
>
> Also...since Onobrakpeya drew from imagery of the Urhobo (his
native
> culture) and that of Benin (his childhood home)-- as well as
Yoruba,
> Igbo and Northern Nigerian influences among other African cultural
> sources, an exploration of his work may be particularly exciting to
a
> wide array of persons who are just now beginning to consider the
> continuities between so-called "traditional" arts and contemporary
> african works!
>
> Lee

Hello Rand,

Thanks for these articles, as I find info of this
nature informative as well as insightful.  The
information presents perspectives and "guidelines" to
consider for the novice collector (like me), as I have
only been collecting African art for the past 6 years
or so.  I try and proceed with any purchases with a
degree of selectivity and discernment.

Perhaps my personality is characterized by skepticism,
so I tend to agree with the information provided. This
type of data helps remind me of "the realities" of
collecting tribal art.  I also collect Turkish,
Russian and Persian nomadic rugs ... the same
principles and approach certainly applies with respect
to "judgement".

I think in the end, the final analysis appears to be a
personal comfort level and acceptance for the
ethnograph(s), albeit fake or authentic/original.

This is good information to consider.

Regards,

ED JONES



--- Rand African Art <rand@...> wrote:

>
> Hi all,
>
>
>
> I have been dialoguing with several people over the
> last week regarding topics such as age,
> authenticity, items made for the market, quality,
> presentation, why do people collect African art,
> what makes African art different (market wise) than
> other tribal art, how dealers/sellers present
> themselves (from eBay to the New York Tribal Arts
> show) and much more.
>
>
>
> A member of our group that I have been dialoguing
> with pointed me to the following website where the
> owner of the website makes some interesting points
> when he talks to people about the hazards and
> pitfalls of collecting tribal art. This person who
> owns this site primarily deals in art from New
> Guinea, but he makes mention of African art is his
> write up on his site.
>
>
>
> I thought it was interesting, and thought I would
> pass it along to others. I think his audience is the
> beginning/novice collector, and I applaud him for
> his efforts to be forthcoming with this type of
> information to people who come to his site. Not all
> will agree with his thoughts, but I am sure there
> are many that will appreciate them and be able to
> relate to them.
>
>
>
> There are many pitfalls and hazards in collecting
> tribal art. What is "quality" tribal art and what
> isn't?
>
> Find some answers in my essay “What is Quality
> Tribal Art?” by Joe Maierhauser.
>
>
http://www.newguineaart.com/otherpages/tribalart.html
>
>
>
>
> Something else I found interesting on his site was
> his “quotes” section:
>
>
>
> “Are you a hard-core tribal art collector? Do you
> constantly need to justify your obsession to family,
> friends, and colleagues who can't understand your
> love of this unique art? Here are a collection of
> quotes I have gathered over the years to help them
> understand you.”
>
>
>
> http://www.newguineaart.com/otherpages/quotes.html
>
>
>
> Cheers!
>
> RAND
>
>
>
> www.randafricanart.com




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Aside from the Tribal Arts of Africa, already mentioned, my
favorite reference is Art of Africa by Kerchache, Paudrat,
and Stephan. The English translation was published in 1993
by Harry N. Abrams, Inc. The text is rather technical, but
the selection of photographs is huge. This book has helped
me more than any other in identifying obscure pieces.

Cheerio,
Croft

HELLO ALL.  I HOPE THAT THIS MESSAGE FINDS EVERYONE IN GREAT SPIRITS.

PLEASE HELP ME IDENTIFY A MASK THAT I AM CONTEMPLATING PURCHASING.  I
HAVE POSTED PICTURES OF THE MASK IN THE PHOTO GALLERY.  THE TITLE OF
MY ALBUM IS (SOME OF MY...) THE FIRST TWO PICTURES TITLED (UNK MASK)
ARE THE PICTURES IN QUESTION.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:

WHAT KIND OF MASK IS THE MASK IN QUESTION?
WHERE IS IT FROM?
IS IT WORTH THE $200 THAT THE SELLER IS ASKING?

PLEASE BE BRUTALLY HONEST.


THANKS FOR YOU TIME AMD CONSIDERATION.



ANTWAN

can any one tell me if these three items  are made tourist trade or
does anyone have an idea how old they may be , i have just had them a
couple years or so,i do think the first two are fang but i have no
idea the third , there are some kind of feathers on the back and it's
a kinda large mask ,, i put the pictures in with the photo's under
ds71855 , i would be thankful for any information , thanks a lot and
i'm sure to enjoy this group,,,

the first mask has the same face on both sides ??and shells and horns
tied to it and it looks like somekind of old leather and basket
weavings??? thanks for any help,,D.

can any one tell me if these three items  are made tourist trade or
does anyone have an idea how old they may be , i have just had them a
couple years or so,i do think the first two are fang but i have no
idea the third , there are some kind of feathers on the back and it's
a kinda large mask ,, i put the pictures in with the photo's under
ds71855 , i would be thankful for any information , thanks a lot and
i'm sure to enjoy this group,,,

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HELLO ALL.  I HOPE THAT THIS MESSAGE FINDS EVERYONE IN GREAT SPIRITS. 

PLEASE HELP ME IDENTIFY A MASK THAT I AM CONTEMPLATING PURCHASING.  I
HAVE POSTED PICTURES OF THE MASK IN THE PHOTO GALLERY.  THE TITLE OF
MY ALBUM IS (SOME OF MY...) THE FIRST TWO PICTURES TITLED (UNK MASK)
ARE THE PICTURES IN QUESTION.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:

WHAT KIND OF MASK IS THE MASK IN QUESTION?
WHERE IS IT FROM?
IS IT WORTH THE $200 THAT THE SELLER IS ASKING?

PLEASE BE BRUTALLY HONEST.


THANKS FOR YOU TIME AMD CONSIDERATION.



ANTWAN    

Hello All.

Antwan,

I believe this particular mask could be IGBO (northern
region), and it could have adaptations of
cross-culture features from neighbors.

Then again, I may be entirely wrong.  I am trying to
confirm ...

ED JONES

--- martin_antwan <smoothy01@...> wrote:

> HELLO ALL.  I HOPE THAT THIS MESSAGE FINDS EVERYONE
> IN GREAT SPIRITS.
>
> PLEASE HELP ME IDENTIFY A MASK THAT I AM
> CONTEMPLATING PURCHASING.  I
> HAVE POSTED PICTURES OF THE MASK IN THE PHOTO
> GALLERY.  THE TITLE OF
> MY ALBUM IS (SOME OF MY...) THE FIRST TWO PICTURES
> TITLED (UNK MASK)
> ARE THE PICTURES IN QUESTION.
>
> I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:
>
> WHAT KIND OF MASK IS THE MASK IN QUESTION?
> WHERE IS IT FROM?
> IS IT WORTH THE $200 THAT THE SELLER IS ASKING?
>
> PLEASE BE BRUTALLY HONEST.
>
>
> THANKS FOR YOU TIME AMD CONSIDERATION.
>
>
>
> ANTWAN
>
>
>
>
>
>
>




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MR JONES, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION.  I TOO BELIEVE THAT THE
MASK IS FROM THE IGBO TRIBE (MAYBE).  ANYWAY, THANK YOU.  OTHERS IN THE
GROUP PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD YOU CONTRIBUTIONS.



THANKS

ANTWAN

>From: Ed JONES <bucit@...>
>Reply-To: African_Arts@yahoogroups.com
>To: African_Arts@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [African_Arts] UNKNOWN AFRICAN MASK
>Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2005 17:53:14 -0700 (PDT)
>
>Hello All.
>
>Antwan,
>
>I believe this particular mask could be IGBO (northern
>region), and it could have adaptations of
>cross-culture features from neighbors.
>
>Then again, I may be entirely wrong.  I am trying to
>confirm ...
>
>ED JONES
>
>--- martin_antwan <smoothy01@...> wrote:
>
> > HELLO ALL.  I HOPE THAT THIS MESSAGE FINDS EVERYONE
> > IN GREAT SPIRITS.
> >
> > PLEASE HELP ME IDENTIFY A MASK THAT I AM
> > CONTEMPLATING PURCHASING.  I
> > HAVE POSTED PICTURES OF THE MASK IN THE PHOTO
> > GALLERY.  THE TITLE OF
> > MY ALBUM IS (SOME OF MY...) THE FIRST TWO PICTURES
> > TITLED (UNK MASK)
> > ARE THE PICTURES IN QUESTION.
> >
> > I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:
> >
> > WHAT KIND OF MASK IS THE MASK IN QUESTION?
> > WHERE IS IT FROM?
> > IS IT WORTH THE $200 THAT THE SELLER IS ASKING?
> >
> > PLEASE BE BRUTALLY HONEST.
> >
> >
> > THANKS FOR YOU TIME AMD CONSIDERATION.
> >
> >
> >
> > ANTWAN
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>__________________________________
>Yahoo! Mail Mobile
>Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone.
>http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail
>
>

To everyone who has participated in the "tradition-based modern"
discussion...

This subject may be contentious because so many African objects, especially
masks and figures, are fakes. I only mention this because I want to draw
attention to those objects that are ignored by collectors and dealers
alike... the modern masks and figures that break with tradition.

They may be painted in bright shiny colors, applied with manufactured
decoration, constructed of new materials, and/or represent non-traditional
subject matter. They don't look like what you see in the books. When traders
get a hold of them, they antique them (even bury them in termite mounds) to
get rid of that new look and make them more acceptable for the market.

I'm interested in these unpopular pieces of modern African folk art,
especially masks. The first time I mentioned this Rand and Lee were
encouraging, but I would still like to hear from more of you. Does anyone
specialize in this kind of material? The evolution of African folk art? The
African Diaspora?

Bob Ibold

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Nash" <jnash@...>
To: <African_Arts@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 4:47 PM
Subject: Re: [African_Arts] Re: Just a note... About this group


> Craig,
>
> Excuse me please for my delay in replying... (I'm following too many
african arts discussions now in too many groups, a downside of some of the
splintering...)
>
> You mentioned two of my favorite artists - especially Twins Seven-Seven,
I'm a big fan. I don't know that I was necessarily thinking specifically
about contemporary African artists like these with my initial query. My
personal interests in African arts are rather broad, I'm drawn to the sense
of design and color as much as anything else; and to the crafting
traditions, even more than to the more religious sculptural works. Textiles,
beads, painted houses, clothing, pottery you name it. Sculpture somehow gets
all the attention.
>
> In my query I was just picking up on a phrase in the group's stated goals
that seemed to relate only to "tradition-based" modern works - which struck
me as odd because traditions are changing so rapidly (all over the world
obviously, not just Africa...). But Lee has cleared up the group's purpose
very well (thanks Lee) and it's good to hear that the interest in African
art is really rather broad.
>
> You know the saying "if they build it they will come"... perhaps now that
there is a forum concerned also with contemporary art issues perhaps we'll
see more informations and discussions in that area (not to the detriment of
the older traditions, just in addition!)
>
> Thanks Lee also for the Africa Remix links. I wonder why such a show will
not land in the U.S.??? Is our interest in Africa so far lower than Europe
and Japan's? This is a situation a friend of mine is always decrying. She
has a large collection of works by contemporary African artists (a
collection her parents started when they were living in Nigeria in the 60s
and were very involved with the Oshogbo artists). She's been hoping for
years now to establish a museum home for the collection, but it's not easy.
Why would interest in the U.S. for Africa lag that of Europe? Are we just
generally less interested in other cultures? I don't know...
>
> Anyway, again, I'm happy there is interest here!
>
> John
>
>
> Craig Lewis <craig_n_emma@...> wrote:
> John,
> I think you have brought up a very valid point. This would be a
> perfect place to discuss artists such as Twins Seven Seven, Bruce
> Onobrakpeya and the like.
> I think you are correct, there isn't anywhere to discuss artists such
> as these(I take it this is what you mean by non tradition based??)
> Cheers
> Craig
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, John Nash <jnash@y...> wrote:
> > Rand,
> >
> > Can I ask you a question? I read what you write about the
> difference between the goals of this group as opposed to Norden's:
> >
> > "David's focus is items over 50 years old, and our focus is
> exploring traditional African cultural and aesthetic forms AND modern
> tradition-based works (with an eye toward the future)"
> >
> > But I'm left wondering exactly what you mean by "modern tradition-
> based works". Is this meant to include new works made in a
> traditional style, even when the local use of that tradition may be
> long gone? in other words works made exclusively for the tourist, or
> foreign market? would it include also new works made to look older
> (i.e. what most people would call 'fakes')? Or are we interested here
> only in artworks which have a local, indigenous audience?
> >
> > More generally, I'm also wondering why you and Lee may have chosen
> not to simply state as the goal of the group that ALL African Arts be
> discussed here (without the 'tradition-based' qualifier). I don't
> know how many people are out there with an interest in contemporary
> African artworks which may not be viewed as 'tradition-based', but
> there certainly seems to be a lack of a place where these can be
> discussed - (at least I haven't found one!) There might be a need to
> be filled there... (that would certainly create a clear distinction
> between this group and Norden's)
> >
> > cheers,
> > john
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>    To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/
>
>    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> African_Arts-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
>
>


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----


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Hello All,

BOB,

Your position related to the originality and
authenticity of African Ethnographs is like the sound
of "SWEET MUSIC TO MY SOUL". We share the same
objectivity (as I believe others do also).

I have learned that it is a difficult subject to
approach - not impossible though, for many reasons.

What is always at the fore-front of my thoughts
regarding the collection of artifacts is "how to
divide the ugly reality of what is occurring with
respect to the tradition and origin of artifacts,
versus the great perversion and commercial
exploitation(s).  Yet, my desire is to  maintain  the
passion and interest for the art ... and not only
African artifacts, as my wife and I also collect items
from other cultures.

There is no doubt that the same issues affecting
African ethnographs (with respect to perversion and
commercialism) are also affecting collecting other
cultural artifacts, including collecting salt water
reefs!

I think that knowledge is a great weapon, but it's not
to be used alone.  Somewhere, there has to be
responsible individual choices and a degree of
acceptance.  I really believe "HOW" one measures it
against the standard of "objectivity" will never be
equitable- only personal ... Thank you for sharing.

ED JONES



--- Bob Ibold <bob.ibold@...> wrote:

> To everyone who has participated in the
> "tradition-based modern"
> discussion...
>
> This subject may be contentious because so many
> African objects, especially
> masks and figures, are fakes. I only mention this
> because I want to draw
> attention to those objects that are ignored by
> collectors and dealers
> alike... the modern masks and figures that break
> with tradition.
>
> They may be painted in bright shiny colors, applied
> with manufactured
> decoration, constructed of new materials, and/or
> represent non-traditional
> subject matter. They don't look like what you see in
> the books. When traders
> get a hold of them, they antique them (even bury
> them in termite mounds) to
> get rid of that new look and make them more
> acceptable for the market.
>
> I'm interested in these unpopular pieces of modern
> African folk art,
> especially masks. The first time I mentioned this
> Rand and Lee were
> encouraging, but I would still like to hear from
> more of you. Does anyone
> specialize in this kind of material? The evolution
> of African folk art? The
> African Diaspora?
>
> Bob Ibold
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Nash" <jnash@...>
> To: <African_Arts@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 4:47 PM
> Subject: Re: [African_Arts] Re: Just a note... About
> this group
>
>
> > Craig,
> >
> > Excuse me please for my delay in replying... (I'm
> following too many
> african arts discussions now in too many groups, a
> downside of some of the
> splintering...)
> >
> > You mentioned two of my favorite artists -
> especially Twins Seven-Seven,
> I'm a big fan. I don't know that I was necessarily
> thinking specifically
> about contemporary African artists like these with
> my initial query. My
> personal interests in African arts are rather broad,
> I'm drawn to the sense
> of design and color as much as anything else; and to
> the crafting
> traditions, even more than to the more religious
> sculptural works. Textiles,
> beads, painted houses, clothing, pottery you name
> it. Sculpture somehow gets
> all the attention.
> >
> > In my query I was just picking up on a phrase in
> the group's stated goals
> that seemed to relate only to "tradition-based"
> modern works - which struck
> me as odd because traditions are changing so rapidly
> (all over the world
> obviously, not just Africa...). But Lee has cleared
> up the group's purpose
> very well (thanks Lee) and it's good to hear that
> the interest in African
> art is really rather broad.
> >
> > You know the saying "if they build it they will
> come"... perhaps now that
> there is a forum concerned also with contemporary
> art issues perhaps we'll
> see more informations and discussions in that area
> (not to the detriment of
> the older traditions, just in addition!)
> >
> > Thanks Lee also for the Africa Remix links. I
> wonder why such a show will
> not land in the U.S.??? Is our interest in Africa so
> far lower than Europe
> and Japan's? This is a situation a friend of mine is
> always decrying. She
> has a large collection of works by contemporary
> African artists (a
> collection her parents started when they were living
> in Nigeria in the 60s
> and were very involved with the Oshogbo artists).
> She's been hoping for
> years now to establish a museum home for the
> collection, but it's not easy.
> Why would interest in the U.S. for Africa lag that
> of Europe? Are we just
> generally less interested in other cultures? I don't
> know...
> >
> > Anyway, again, I'm happy there is interest here!
> >
> > John
> >
> >
> > Craig Lewis <craig_n_emma@...> wrote:
> > John,
> > I think you have brought up a very valid point.
> This would be a
> > perfect place to discuss artists such as Twins
> Seven Seven, Bruce
> > Onobrakpeya and the like.
> > I think you are correct, there isn't anywhere to
> discuss artists such
> > as these(I take it this is what you mean by non
> tradition based??)
> > Cheers
> > Craig
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, John Nash
> <jnash@y...> wrote:
> > > Rand,
> > >
> > > Can I ask you a question? I read what you write
> about the
> > difference between the goals of this group as
> opposed to Norden's:
> > >
> > > "David's focus is items over 50 years old, and
> our focus is
> > exploring traditional African cultural and
> aesthetic forms AND modern
> > tradition-based works (with an eye toward the
> future)"
> > >
> > > But I'm left wondering exactly what you mean by
> "modern tradition-
> > based works". Is this meant to include new works
> made in a
> > traditional style, even when the local use of that
> tradition may be
> > long gone? in other words works made exclusively
> for the tourist, or
> > foreign market? would it include also new works
> made to look older
> > (i.e. what most people would call 'fakes')? Or are
> we interested here
> > only in artworks which have a local, indigenous
> audience?
> > >
> > > More generally, I'm also wondering why you and
> Lee may have chosen
> > not to simply state as the goal of the group that
> ALL African Arts be
> > discussed here (without the 'tradition-based'
> qualifier). I don't
> > know how many people are out there with an
> interest in contemporary
> > African artworks which may not be viewed as
> 'tradition-based', but
> > there certainly seems to be a lack of a place
> where these can be
> > discussed - (at least I haven't found one!) There
> might be a need to
> > be filled there... (that would certainly create a
> clear distinction
> > between this group and Norden's)
> > >
> > > cheers,
> > > john
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >    To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/
> >
> >    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email
> to:
> > African_Arts-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
>
=== message truncated ===




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Greetings:

We have now activated and are updating our new blog, which is intended
ot replace numerous enewsletters that we intended to send but couldn't
get past our server.

To read and subscribe, got to http://www.tribalartery.blogspot.com

Thanks.

W8s
May you walk in sunshine and sleep while it rains.

Hi there,

I'm a brandnew member here. And also a quite novice collector.
As I'm quite a Lega fan I'm doubting on a purchase of a small ivory
Lega mask. Had it in my hands and based on the ivory's colour I'd say
it's old enough, dark braun patina.

Does this say enough (colour of ivory) about age? Cause I wan't
(principally) buy new ivory items...

thanks in advance,Jan

Hey Ricardo,

Nice catalogue indeed. Wauw about the Pare piece! Never saw those
Bamiléké birds however, but must admit that I don't know much about
grassland things... :-)
Thanks for sharing!

Koelan

Hello,

I was out of town camping over the weekend enjoying the beautiful Colorado mountains, so I am a little behind on my email.

I will agree with Michael that the first 2 items you posted do appear to be Fang in appearance/style, but the mask is something that I have no experience with and can not help with attribution.

The first piece appears to be in the style of a Fang Nlo-Byeri head and the second piece a Fang Byeri figure.

You can read more information on Fanh Nlo-Byeri heads here:

http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/viewone.asp?dep=5&viewmode=0&item=1979.206.229

You can read more information on Fang Byeri figures here:

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ho/10/sfc/hod_1978.412.441.htm

As far as your items being made for the tourist trade or not? I am no expert by any means but in my opinion, and as Michael also stated, Fang items are rare and have been reproduced for the market for many years. The Fang Byeri cult ceased to exist in the 1930’s and Fang items have always been sought after by collectors. Authentic Fang pieces will usually bring prices ranging from several thousand to several hundred thousand dollars. In my opinion, I would have to say that your items were most likely made for the market. You apparently liked them enough to buy them and hopefully you like them for the forms they represent and you were not misled about the items when you purchased them.

I don’t think you can tell age from a photograph. Items are artificially aged (made to look older than they are) specifically to meet the aesthetic desires of the collectors. Unless you have documented history or provenance on the pieces then age can only be estimated at best.

What were you told about your items when you bought them? Were you told they were old and authentic? Or did you buy them based on aesthetics alone?

I am never afraid to admit that I collect mainly based on aesthetic appeal, and some items I collect may be authentic and some are copies of traditional pieces. I clearly state that on my website as to hopefully avoid any confusion. People collect for their own reasons and people who only collect authentic, documented items with provenance will usually pay much higher prices than those who collect based on aesthetic appeal and collect things that interest them for the forms themselves that do not have guarantees of authenticity and do not have documented provenance.

I think it is important to have an educated collecting community out there, at least educated enough to know that items are made for the market, made to look old, and made to represent traditional forms and so on. In my opinion, there isn’t anything wrong with this, as long as the piece is not misrepresented by whoever is selling it. The problem is that there are all levels of experience out there with both buyers and sellers. The seller, if they are a small gallery owner or a seller on eBay or another place, is responsible for representing the item correctly or to the best of their knowledge. Some sellers take what they are told by the African traders/runners or collectors they buy from and pass that information along as the truth while others with more experience will take that information and represent the item correctly or to the best of their own knowledge or at least state they may be unsure of the items age or authenticity. Buyers have to be aware that if they are paying a few hundred dollars for a mask or a statue that they are probably not buying something that is authentic, meaning it has had actual use within the people who made the item, if that is what they are only interested in collecting. That isn’t to say that there are not authentic and old items out there for a few hundred dollars, but the chances are probably against you in most cases, in my opinion.

Determining if an item is old and authentic is something that the “average” collector probably can not do very well without the assistance of someone with a lot of experience, an expert perhaps, and experts also can make mistakes. I do not believe that it can be done by a photograph alone, I think that a piece must be handled, looked at closely and you must know how a piece like that would have been used in their original context to determine if the appearance is in line with the usage.

It all comes down to your collecting philosophy-

If you want to buy only authentic, old items with provenance then consult a reputable dealer, hopefully on a recommendation of a trusted person. Hopefully you will have some knowledge of your own when you consult with a dealer because I have had several experiences where I have doubted what a dealer has told me and I at least had enough knowledge to know that what they were telling me may not be correct and I have been able to challenge them.

If you want to buy items based on aesthetic qualities and forms and styles that appeal to you, and are not concerned specifically with age or authenticity, then you need to go into a transaction with a different mindset. A lot of items are misrepresented, in my opinion, and you need to take this into consideration. In the past I have bought items that appealed to me aesthetically and disregarded what the seller says about the item. I paid a price that I thought was fair for an item that is a representation of a traditional item. I appreciated the form and the skill that went into making the item, and since I bought it based on aesthetics alone, I don’t care what the original intention or motivation was of the person who made it, but I am at least educated enough to know the difference.

We all have our own collecting philosophies, we all have our own opinions and ideas. We all may not agree with one another’s philosophies, opinions, or thoughts, but hopefully we can take a little bit from everyone and mold that into our existing beliefs or use them to help form them.

That is why I like the statement that is made on this site:

http://www.newguineaart.com/otherpages/tribalart.html

“But, it comes down to this, buy what you like at a price you feel is fair. What matters is how it makes you feel when you look at it and hold it in your hands. As with all art, if you buy only with the hope of it appreciating in value, you almost certainly will be disappointed. BUT...if you like it, if it speaks to you in some way, it won't matter if it goes up in value or not, you will always enjoy it and you won't be disappointed.”

RAND