What to do with tribal-looking artifacts of unknown origin?

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What to do with tribal-looking artifacts of unknown origin?

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Started 10 months ago by lemnlime
Latest reply from bradbob
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lemnlime
Member

One of my aunts was a great traveler, and gave us some items she collected from her travels. I don't think anything is worth more than $100 or so, but it still seems a shame to just give them away.

I would sell on eBay, but I don't know where some of these things are from, so it's hard to write a description, let alone figure out pricing. I do know one item, for example, has a price tag (still attached) of $125, but I can't tell what culture it's from or even what it's made of.

Anyone have suggestions for what to do? Thanks in advance!

Posted 10 months ago #
Jackthetiger
Member

It comes back to the time/value debate. How much time are you willing to put into selling an item as opposed to what someone will pay for it. To see if they are of value, you could offer them to a museum. If they are reproductions of items sold in souvenir shops, they will know. If they are genuine, you would know that they are going somewhere where they will be respected.

Have a look at the thread about "Items boxed, resistance to their monetary value" to see more discussion on this dilemma.

The final question: Do you love and value them, or do you want them out of your space?

Posted 10 months ago #
Ella
Member

Both science museums and art museums often have ethnographic departments where one can take in items for identification and authentication. The conservation department may be able to do this as well.

An unusual item on eBay can sometimes go like gangbusters. I auctioned a carved folk art figure from my mother's estate, valued at $100 by the local museum. It took off in a bidding war that brought me a final price of $3,000.

Posted 10 months ago #
Sky
Member

My parents bought several tribal masks in Panama in the late 1950's. I inherited them and they just were not me so I sold them on ebay. I got a fair price and they are gone!

Posted 10 months ago #
lemnlime
Member

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

Jackthetiger -- I think you're right. I need to figure out if I can justify the time and energy it would take to sell them. If I can find a good, easy solution, then I'll try to recoup some money. If not, then off to Goodwill they go!

Ella -- Great idea with the museums. One of my friends works at a local museum. I'll ask if they have anyone available to answer that kind of question.

To both Ella and Sky -- Hope my items can sell as yours did! :)

Posted 10 months ago #
phnxpete
Member

HI,
I would agree with Ella about checking museums and and departments in universities
or other. I was wondering if you know where your aunt traveled? Perhaps letters,
postcards, journal, articles. If she is alive or other family members might help.
The time and energy is a factor.
If they may be of cultural significance donations to a non-profit can be used as a
tax deduction.
I'm new here but is there a way to take or show some pictures and maybe members can help identify what you have.

Pete

Posted 10 months ago #
Raynell
Member

I took the things that were inharited but no one in the family wanted and went on e-bay looking as a buyer. What would it cost me to buy that McCoy vase. Then I priced mine a little less. Sence I'm not good at these things I had a neighbor do the selling and shipping for a percentage. It worked great.

Posted 10 months ago #
bradbob
Member

I've encountered a similar problem. My dad's father was a home jeweler and woodcarver. He made a small figure much like the Easter Island Heads, but clearly not "authentic." It does not hold much sentimental value to me, but with the advent of shows like American Pickers, I can't help but wonder if there's a better way to sell these handmade treasures and other collectibles other than ebay or a garage sale.

Posted 9 months ago #

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