TRIBAL ART AUCTIONS

TRIBAL ART AUCTIONS

There are numerous tribal art auctions held around the world. Here, I highlight some of the most reputable tribal art auctioneers globally:

Bonhams

Bonhams, a renowned auction house with locations in Los Angeles and Paris, showcases an extensive collection of distinctive and culturally significant artworks through its African, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian Art department. This specialized division presents a diverse array of artifacts originating from sub-Saharan Africa, Pacific islands, and the regions of Central and South America. The curated selection encompasses both ceremonial and religious artifacts crafted for societal elites, as well as functional and specialized items integral to the daily lives of these cultures. Bonhams’ commitment to this field is evident in its biannual public exhibitions and auctions, which are held each spring and fall in Los Angeles.Under the direction of Fredric Backlar, who brings over three decades of auction experience to his role, the department continues to source and present high-quality works that reflect the rich artistic heritage of these regions. This approach has established Bonhams as a significant player in the market for African, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian art, offering collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to engage with and acquire these unique cultural treasures.

Christie’s

TRIBAL ART AUCTIONS – Christie’s, a renowned auction house with locations in New York and Paris, has established itself as a preeminent authority in the field of African and Oceanic Art since the inception of its dedicated department in the 1960s. Over the decades, Christie’s has consistently presented and sold an exceptional array of masterpieces from these diverse cultural regions. The department specializes in showcasing and auctioning highly coveted artworks originating from sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the Pacific regions of Polynesia, Melanesia, Indonesia, and Australia. These offerings encompass a wide range of artistic expressions, with a particular focus on exquisite sculptures and masks that represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and cultural significance from their respective regions. Christie’s commitment to scholarly expertise and academic rigor has been a hallmark of its approach since the department’s early days. Under the guidance of notable figures such as Hermione Waterfield and William Fagg, the auction house pioneered the practice of including detailed scholarly notes in its catalogues, a tradition that continues to this day. This dedication to expertise has solidified Christie’s position as a market leader, consistently achieving exceptional results and setting world record prices for African and Oceanic artworks. The department conducts regular auctions in Paris and New York, as well as online, often strategically aligning these sales with Christie’s Modern & Contemporary Art and Design events to highlight the interconnectedness of these artistic traditions. This approach not only showcases the inherent value of African and Oceanic art but also appeals to collectors who appreciate the cross-cultural influences evident in various art forms.

Native

Native, based in Brussels, holds the distinction of being Belgium’s premier auction house dedicated to Tribal Art. Leveraging the high standards set by its collectors, the profound expertise of its dealers, and Belgium’s historical connections to its former colonies, Native benefits from a long-standing tradition in the African and Oceanic art market. The auction house upholds this legacy with a commitment to quality and meticulous standards.

Deutscher and Hackett

Deutscher and Hackett, located in Sydney and Melbourne, is a prominent Australian auction house specializing in fine art. Renowned for its commitment to quality, extensive experience, and exceptional results, the house has established a strong reputation within the art market – TRIBAL ART AUCTIONS.

Galerie Walu

Galerie Walu, based in Switzerland, specializes in African and Oceanic art auctions. The family-run business, Koller, stands as Switzerland’s foremost auction house and is recognized among the top ten tribal art auction houses globally

Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s, a leading international auction house, offers a distinguished platform for African and Oceanic Art through its dedicated department operating in London, Paris, and New York. The department specializes in presenting and auctioning artworks created in or before the early 20th century, focusing on pieces that held significant ritual or ceremonial importance within the traditional cultures of sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Micronesia, and Indonesia. The diverse array of artifacts showcased by Sotheby’s encompasses a wide range of cultural expressions, including intricately crafted masks, figurative sculptures, amulets, traditional jewelry, furniture, and weaponry. These objects not only represent the artistic prowess of their creators but also offer profound insights into the spiritual and social fabric of their respective cultures. Sotheby’s holds a unique position in the market as the sole international auction house conducting regular sales of African and Oceanic Art in both New York and Paris. This commitment to these highly specialized collecting areas underscores Sotheby’s dedication to preserving and promoting the rich artistic heritage of these regions. The department’s expertise is rooted in a long-standing tradition of excellence, tracing back to the groundbreaking sale of Helena Rubinstein’s collection in 1966 in New York. Since then, Sotheby’s has consistently led the category, offering exceptional examples of African and Oceanic art and repeatedly setting world records, including the highest price ever paid for an African sculpture. Through its carefully curated auctions and exhibitions, Sotheby’s continues to provide collectors, institutions, and enthusiasts with opportunities to engage with and acquire cultural works of the highest quality from across these diverse regions. The auction house’s global reach and reputation for expertise make it a pivotal player in shaping the market for African and Oceanic Art, fostering appreciation for these important cultural artifacts on an international scale.

Webb’s

Webb’s, New Zealand’s premier auction house, has established itself as a leader in the field of Oceanic and Tribal Arts, maintaining this prestigious position for many years. Under the guidance of industry veteran Bill Evans, the department has flourished, offering expertly curated selections of Oceanic, Māori, and Indigenous artworks. The auction house’s commitment to these specialized areas is evident in their annual Indigenous Art auctions, which showcase carefully selected pieces that represent the rich cultural heritage of the region. Webb’s approach to these auctions is characterized by meticulous curation, ensuring that each piece meets high standards of quality and cultural significance. Webb’s expertise in this field extends beyond New Zealand’s borders, attracting international attention and participation in their sales. The auction house’s reputation for handling significant Oceanic and Tribal artworks has made it a go-to destination for collectors and enthusiasts alike, both within New Zealand and globally. By consistently presenting exceptional examples of Oceanic, Māori, and Indigenous art, Webb’s has not only maintained its leading position in the market but has also played a crucial role in promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Pacific region.

Münster Tribal Art Auction

TRIBAL ART AUCTIONS – Münster Tribal Art Auction, based in Würzburg, Germany, is renowned for auctioning exceptional art objects from Africa, Australia, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Their offerings include masks, sculptures, ritual objects, ceramics, primitive money, and jewelry. Recognized globally as specialists in non-European tribal art, Zemanek-Münster stands alongside major art centers such as Paris, Brussels, London, and New York. Despite being located outside these primary hubs, its headquarters in Würzburg has earned a reputation as an international center for tribal art, well-connected and highly respected in the industry.

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