Authentic, Decorative, and Fake - What Does it Mean and Why Does It Matter
What Does It Mean
Tribal art can be categorized into three main types: authentic, decorative, and fake. Authentic tribal art refers to pieces created by artists from primitive tribes for ritual or functional use within their community, not for profit. These items are typically made using traditional techniques and materials, and may show signs of genuine wear from use in ceremonies. Decorative tribal art includes pieces that are newly made but may still use traditional methods and styles. These items are created for the tourist market or for decorative purposes rather than for tribal use. Fake tribal art refers to items that are deliberately misrepresented as authentic when they are not. This can include: Objects made outside of Africa or the original tribal region. Tribal art can be categorized into three main types: authentic, decorative, and fake. Authentic tribal art refers to pieces created by artists from primitive tribes for ritual or functional use within their community, not for profit. These items are typically made using traditional techniques and materials, and may show signs of genuine wear from use in ceremonies.
Decorative tribal art includes pieces that are newly made but may still use traditional methods and styles. These items are created for the tourist market or for decorative purposes rather than for tribal use.
Fake tribal art refers to items that are deliberately misrepresented as authentic when they are not. It's important to note that a newly made tribal item can still be considered authentic if it was created for genuine tribal use, while an old piece made specifically for tourists would not be considered truly authentic.
Why Does It Matter
It is not my job as either a dealer, appraiser, or authenticator to tell you the collector what to like or what to not like. My job is to provide facts and render opinions based on the scope of work and information related to the assignment. Generally speaking decorative indigenous art is less expensive than traditional indigenous art. Because fake art is meant to deceive, it can be very expensive. This is where as an expert in this area I have a problem. If decorative art is sold as traditional or fake art is being sold as authentic, usually someone is being cheated. Obviously, if I am being asked for my opinion on value or worth in the appropriate market, ethically I must present the facts as I know them. Often dealers in my field label decorative art as junk. I don’t and the reason is quite simple and I think obvious. If a buyer acquires an object at a reasonable price and they find some connection, it is extraordinarily arrogant for me to say that’s wrong. So I don’t. Yes it may not be my taste but that’s irrelevant.
The acquisition of art can mean very different things to each individual. Based on ethnicity, emotional response, or one’s knowledge unethical sellers can prey on buyers. The art world is pretty much unregulated. That certainly is both god and bad depending on your perspective. If the object is expensive, buyer beware is always reasonable advice. With technology today and the ubiquitous cell phone photo that can provide instant guidance from an expert, it makes no sense to not use all your resources to avoid a problem.
