Published
Video duration:
1 minute
Justice: dispute over an African mask sold for more than 4 million euros
A trial has opened in Alès around an African mask dating from the 19th century. Originally, a couple in their 80s sold this mask inherited from an ancestor to a second-hand dealer for 150 euros. He sold it for more than 4 million euros. – (France 2)
A trial has opened in Alès around an African mask dating from the 19th century. Originally, a couple in their 80s sold this mask, inherited from an ancestor, to a second-hand dealer for 150 euros. He sold it for more than 4 million euros.
It is the object of all desire: an African mask sculpted in the 19th century of which there are only ten copies in the world. For a long time, it gathered dust in a second home in Gard, until the day the owners decided to empty the place. They sell it to a second-hand dealer for 150 euros. The mask is harmless for the spouses. However, six months later, the piece was put up for auction and sold for 4.2 million euros.
Court decision in December
The retirees feel wronged and take legal action to have the initial sale canceled. The second-hand dealer denies any intention of fraud. His lawyer insists and thinks that the retirees should have found out about the value of this piece. “When we have this at home, we make sure to be a little more curious”, explains Me Partricia Pijot. The court is expected to make its decision in December.