Identifying African art.
Origin, use, patina, beyond the surface.
Core specialisation of AntiqBot. African art is one of the most specialised and most forged domains in the antique trade. AntiqBot brings focused professional knowledge.
You read African art beyond the surface.
An African mask or figure is not primarily an art object, it is a functional ritual object with a specific origin, a use and a patina that reflects that use. That triangle, origin, function, patina, is the foundation of authenticity analysis.
AntiqBot analyses African art based on stylistic features by region and peoples, use of materials, construction methods and patina quality. We recognise the major African art traditions of sub-Saharan Africa.
A good piece of African art has been used. That use leaves traces, and those traces cannot be imitated. They are the evidence of authenticity.
From Fang reliquary guardians from Gabon to Yoruba figures from Nigeria, from Kongo fetishes to Kuba textiles, AntiqBot recognises the regional vocabularies.
Which traditions AntiqBot recognises.
African art is analysed by region and peoples. Each has its own stylistic vocabulary, materials and ritual context.
What AntiqBot recognises by object type.
African art encompasses a broad range of object types, each with its own authenticity characteristics.
The patina does not lie, if you know what you are seeing.
Patina is the key to authenticity analysis of African art. Real use leaves specific traces: smoke, offerings, touch on specific places, ageing of wood from the inside out. Those patterns cannot be faked with chemicals or artificial ageing.
More than 80% of "African art" on the regular market, from flea markets to online auctions, is modern reproduction or mass production from the tourist industry. Even at reputable auction houses, pieces are offered with questionable provenance. AntiqBot gives you a first well-founded look, but emphasises that physical expertise for significant pieces is irreplaceable.
What AntiqBot analyses: stylistic features by region, materials, construction, and visual patina quality from photographs. That gives you a first filter, and in most cases that is precisely enough to know whether you need to go further.
What makes authenticity visible.
These visual characteristics are indicative of authentic ritual objects, and absent in modern reproduction.
Show the patina and the details.
Photograph in daylight without flash. Flash light equalises surfaces and erases precisely the patina quality that is diagnostic. Raking light (light from the side) reveals texture, wear and wood structure much better.
Take separate photographs of: the inner surface of masks (patina, attachment points), the base of figures (wear from use), details of carving, any offering traces or additions. The more you show of the back and details, the better the analysis.
Other specialisations
AntiqBot analyses are indicative in nature. African art always requires physical expertise from a specialised auction house or certified appraiser for pieces of significant value. AntiqBot does not replace that expertise, but helps you determine when that step is worthwhile.