https://sputniknews.in/20231106/rare-ancient-african-mask-sparks-intense-multimillion-dollar-legal-dispute-5261442.html
Rare Ancient African Mask Sparks Intense Multimillion-Dollar Legal Dispute
Rare Ancient African Mask Sparks Intense Multimillion-Dollar Legal Dispute
Sputnik India
Come December 19, a court in France will deliver the verdict on the illegal possession and sale of the rare African 'Ngil' mask that holds great spiritual value to the Gabonese people and is worth over $4.5 million.
2023-11-06T15:09+0530
2023-11-06T15:09+0530
2023-11-06T15:09+0530
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The Fournier family, inheriting an ancient African mask from their grandfather René-Victor Edward Maurice Fournier, a former colonial governor in Central Africa during the early 20th century, has filed a lawsuit against the dealer who bought the rare artifact worth over $4.5 million at an extremely low price.In September 2021, the Fourniers sold their mask to a second-hand dealer for 150 euros during a garage sale which they held after selling their second home in the south of France.A few months later, their old mask was being auctioned for 4.2 million euros (over $4.5 million).They accused the dealer of intentionally hiding the information about the origins of the mask and its true value.The Fourniers have knocked on the doors of the court and sought to annul the sale of the mask and want the auction’s proceeds to be given to them.The Fourniers filed a civil case against the dealer which they lost in the fall of 2022 and were ordered to pay court costs.Gabon Files Case Against FournierThe 19th century 'Ngil' mask is an extremely rare artifact that belonged to the powerful Ngil society, a secret group tasked with administering justice within the Fang communities of Gabon.While the Fournier is fighting a legal battle with the dealer, they have been slapped with a separate court case filed by Gabon accusing Fournier’s ancestor of having the stolen Ngil mask and therefore never being its rightful owner.Olivia Betoe Bi Evie, one of the lawyers representing Gabon, said if the court accepts its petition to suspend the current legal proceedings on the sale of the Ngil mask, the country will be able to pursue its separate case over possessing stolen goods and fight for the mask to be returned to its country of origin.
https://sputniknews.in/20231011/ancient-relics-found-during-excavation-at-historic-barabati-fort-in-odisha-4745540.html
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Rare Ancient African Mask Sparks Intense Multimillion-Dollar Legal Dispute
Come December 19, a court in France will deliver a verdict on the illegal possession and sale of the rare African "Ngil" mask, which holds great spiritual value to the Gabonese people and is worth over $4.5 million.
The Fournier family, inheriting an ancient African mask from their grandfather René-Victor Edward Maurice Fournier, a former colonial governor in Central Africa during the early 20th century, has filed a lawsuit against the dealer who bought the rare artifact worth over $4.5 million at an extremely low price.
In September 2021, the Fourniers sold their mask to a second-hand dealer for 150 euros during a garage sale which they held after selling their second home in the south of France.
The Fourniers, who didn't know that the
artifact was worth a fortune, felt cheated as they believed the dealer was offering a fair price.
A few months later, their
old mask was being
auctioned for 4.2 million euros (over $4.5 million).
They accused the dealer of intentionally hiding the information about the origins of the mask and its true value.
The Fourniers have knocked on the doors of the court and sought to annul the sale of the mask and want the auction’s proceeds to be given to them.
The Fourniers filed a civil case against the dealer which they lost in the fall of 2022 and were ordered to pay court costs.
The Fourniers have once again challenged the earlier court decision, and alleged that the dealer failed “in his obligation to provide pre-contractual information” and committed “a breach of consent.”
Gabon Files Case Against Fournier
The
19th century 'Ngil' mask is an extremely
rare artifact that belonged to the powerful
Ngil society, a secret group tasked with administering justice within the
Fang communities of Gabon.
While the Fournier is fighting a legal battle with the dealer, they have been slapped with a separate court case filed by Gabon accusing Fournier’s ancestor of having the stolen Ngil mask and therefore never being its rightful owner.
Olivia Betoe Bi Evie, one of the lawyers representing Gabon, said if the court accepts its
petition to suspend the current
legal proceedings on the
sale of the Ngil mask, the country will be able to pursue its separate case over possessing
stolen goods and fight for the mask to be
returned to its country of origin.
