African art is a diverse and complex field that encompasses many cultures, traditions, and forms of expression. However, not all artworks that claim to be African are authentic or original. Some artworks may be fake, meaning they are deliberately made to deceive or misrepresent their origin, age, or quality¹. Others may be reproductions, meaning they are copies or imitations of existing artworks². How can one distinguish between authentic and fake African art? There is no simple answer to this question, as different criteria and perspectives may apply depending on the context and purpose of the artworks. However, some possible ways to approach this challenge are:
Distinguish Between Authentic and Fake African Art
Examine the Physical Characteristics of the Artworks
One way to distinguish between authentic and fake African art is to examine the physical characteristics of the artworks, such as their materials, techniques, styles, and condition². For example, collectors can look for signs of wear and tear,patina (the change in color or texture due to age), or repairs that indicate the age and use of the artworks.
They can also compare the artworks with similar examples from reputable sources, such as museums, catalogs, or experts, to see if they match in terms of proportions, details, or motifs.
However, this method is not foolproof, as some fakes may be artificially aged or altered to look more authentic, or some authentic artworks may be modified or restored to look more appealing¹.
Trace the Provenance and Documentation of the Artworks
Another way to distinguish between authentic and fake African art is to trace the provenance and documentation of the artworks, such as their history of ownership, exhibition, publication, or authentication². For example,
collectors can ask for certificates, invoices, receipts, or export permits that verify the origin, date, and value of the artworks.
They can also check if the artworks have been exhibited or published in reputable venues or sources that confirm their authenticity. However, this method is also not foolproof, as some documents may be forged or incomplete, or some artworks may have been looted or smuggled without proper records¹.
Consider the Cultural and Historical Context of the Artworks
A third way to distinguish between authentic and fake African art is to consider the cultural and historical context of the artworks, such as their meaning, function, and significance for their original creators, users, and communities³. For example, collectors can learn about the symbolism, rituals, or aesthetics that inform the production and consumption of the artworks. They can also explore how the artworks relate to broader issues such as colonialism, modernity, diaspora, or identity. However, this method is also not foolproof, as some artworks may have multiple meanings or interpretations depending on different perspectives or situations³.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between authentic and fake African art is a challenging task that requires careful examination, research, and understanding. There is no single criterion or standard that can definitively determine the authenticity or fakeness of an artwork. Rather, collectors need to consider various factors such as physical characteristics, provenance, documentation, cultural context, and historical context.
Moreover, collectors need to acknowledge that authenticity is not a fixed or objective quality but a dynamic and subjective concept that depends on different values and purposes of different actors involved in the creation and circulation of African art.
(1) The Things We Now Call Fake Will in the Future Become Authentic Objects …. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13696815.2021.1925089 20.3.2023.
(2) OBJECT LESSONS: AUTHENTICITY IN AFRICAN ART – Kent State University. https://www.kent.edu/museum/object-lessons-authenticity-african-art 20.3.2023.
(3) What is ‘authentic’ African art? – BBC Culture. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20160122-what-is-authentic-african-art 20.3.2023.
