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Lara Messerlian

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RESULTS: Art of Africa Masterworks

African, Oceanic & Pre-Columbian Art
New York Americas 15 May 2019

New York – On May 14, the Christie’s New York Art of Africa Masterworks auction achieved a total of $4,996,250. The sale sold 90% by Value and 75% by Lot, led by The Walschot-Schoffel Kifwebe Mask, which realized $4,215,000. The lot sold after two minutes of competitive bidding between two telephone bidders, with the winning bid breaking the auction record.

Susan Kloman, International Department Head of African and Oceanic Art at Christie’s remarks: “We are so delighted and proud of the results of our sale. It demonstrates a demand for works of top quality and the importance of African art in art history. With private and institutional participation from around the world, we saw new world records set for the Songye Kifwebe mask and for the Chokwe Ensemble.” 

Other top lots included A Guro Mask Representing Gu, which realized a total of $300,000, exceeding the high estimate of $250,000. Additional notable results included A Fang-Ntumu Figure for a Reliquary Eyema Byeri, which realized $150,000; A Blackened Punu Mask, Ikwara, which totaled $218,750; and A Chokwe Ensemble, selling for $37,000.

To browse the full results, please visit the Art of Africa Masterworks results page

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Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship   international sales hubs  in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of  global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s  auctions span more than  80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first  fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing  responsible culture  throughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more, browse, bid, discover, and join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps.


* Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

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RELEASE: Art of Africa Masterworks | Sale May 14