Primitive arts

Bretagne Enchères is the leading auctioneer in this speciality in Brittany, and organises 2 to 3 auctions a year dedicated to the ‘Arts Premiers’ speciality, usually called ‘Aux racines de l'art’.

Do you own an object of art from outside Europe: an African mask, a pre-Columbian statue, an archaeological object whose value you would like to know?

Aliénor de Blignières and our experts Laurent Dodier and Antony Meyer can give you a free, confidential estimate.

What are collectors looking for and what are the trends in the art market?

African tribal art, which is relatively plentiful and mostly centuries old, is highly prized, with the most coveted pieces being those of the Fang ethnic group in Gabon.

Pre-Hispanic objects are also sought-after, particularly those from the Olmec civilisation, which preceded the Maya.

Archaeological objects also have their market. One example is a record-breaking torso of Venus from Alexandria, dating from the 2nd century AD, which fetched €31,000 at Bretagne Enchères in 2021.

The provenance of the object is also a determining factor, as in the case of an antique collection built up during trips to Africa or during a scientific expedition.

Online valuation