An elderly French couple have launched legal action after selling an African face mask for $158, only to see it resurface at auction for $4.4 million.
The couple, who live in Nîmes, France, were clearing out belongings in 2021 when they sold the unusual mask to a local dealer.
In September 2021 they handed the item to a dealer known as “Mr. Z” for $158.
Months later, at an auction in Montpellier, the same mask fetched a staggering $4.4 million.
The object was a traditional Fang mask from Gabon, used in weddings, funerals and other rites.
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The couple, aged 81 and 88, had no idea the mask was so rare.
They only discovered its huge sale after reading a newspaper report.
According to ARTnews, the mask was brought to France by the husband’s grandfather, who once served as a colonial governor in Africa.
The pair are now suing Mr. Z, whom they accuse of cheating them.
On June 28, the court of appeals in Nîmes said the case “appears to be well-founded in principle” and ordered the sale proceeds frozen while the dispute continues, Artnet News reports.
The couple contend that Mr. Z bought the mask having known its real worth, paying only 0.00359090909 percent of the later sale price.
Experts believe the mask dates to the 19th century.
When Mr. Z consulted professionals, the piece was valued between €300,000 ($317,416) and €400,000 ($423,222).
Court documents seen by Artnet News state: “This piece of kaolin-coated cheesewood is therefore exceptional in terms of its rarity, as only a dozen or so other reference specimens are known to exist worldwide, in Western museums and collection.“
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Reports say the dealer later offered the couple €300,000 to settle their complaint, an offer they turned down.
Their lawyer has argued Mr. Z is “a second-hand dealer and not an antique dealer and cannot be considered an valuation professional.”
They added: “He has no knowledge of African art.”
The case remains open as it is examined by a higher court in Nîmes.