Agencies-Gaza post
A one-of-a-kind African wooden archaeological mask was sold for 4.2 million euros in the French city of Montpellier, according to media reports, after Gabonese activists failed to prevent the auction.
Gabonese activists were unable to halt the sale of a one-of-a-kind African mask for 4.2 million euros at an auction in Montpelier, France. RIA, a South African radio station, reported on Sunday.
“The wooden mask, which was made around 150 years ago, was used in sacred rituals by the FANG people of Gabon’s northern regions,” radio South Africa reported.
Gabonese associations have called for the auction to be canceled and the mask to be returned to the African country as part of the national treasure recovery process.
They also confirmed that the mask was stolen and smuggled out of Gabon by French colonial authorities.
The auction’s organizers announced on Saturday that they legally
acquired the mask and sold it.
Gabonese activists stated that they would continue their efforts to restore the mask through the legal system.
