A Guide To Buying African Sculptures And Related Artwork

By Frances Miller


The continent of Africa has provided a wealth of creative inspiration from other countries that it comes to no surprise that their art is now a hot commodity among collectors. And far from being just prized ethnic souvenirs, artwork from Africa is slowly beginning to become valuable investments as the art market is always in search of new and exciting prospects. But there is far to this artistic movement than meets the eye.

But before you open your wallet and get your hands on a piece made in Africa, you need to consider a few things. Things like whether you know your tribal masks from your African sculptures, and other crucial details. It pays to be aware of such things, so here is a helpful guide on the things you should learn before buying your first African art piece.

Variety is key. Like the colors of a rainbow, no two countries in the continent share the same aesthetic when it comes to their arts and crafts. For example, the vases you may see in Sudan or Ghana may be completely different from those you will spot in Botswana or Tanzania. Expect to see some refreshing diversity when it comes to their arts culture.

Brush up on the categories. Seeing stuff in museums or in movies and TV shows will likely give you an idea of what to expect in reality. You might be interested in decorating your walls with gigantic tribal masks or adorning a corner of your room with a tall totem sculpture to add some interest. There are different types of art to choose from, so you should choose based on what you like.

Materials are everything. Artists are known for producing quality works using only the finest materials available. Do not be surprised if something that is gorgeous and beautifully made is priced expensively. It may be because the person who made it used highly precious items that are only native to a particular place.

Understand the symbolism. Collectors do not just purchase art for the sake of aesthetics. More often than not, they like to buy them because they carry deeper meanings and were able to understand what the artist was trying to say. If you happen to be interested in a tribal mask, then make the effort to know the story behind it.

Appreciate the details. Majority of the pieces available are the products of skilled artisans. From the bold colors to the intriguing shapes, their hands are responsible for creating such masterpieces. Be appreciative of buying something that is lovingly handmade.

Go for originals. Counterfeits exist even in the lofty world of the global art market. Talk to dealers so you know how to spot the fakes from the real ones. If you want your money to be spent wisely, ensure that the pieces you buy have legitimate provenance from the artists themselves.

These tips will hopefully allow you to discover a whole new artistic world that you never thought you would explore. More than just taking an interest in their culture, you are supporting the economy of a developing region when purchasing arts and crafts from Africa. It would be a refreshing change if you are a collector trying out different things.




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