My Word

This newletter reflects our continuing effort to sort through some basic misunderstandings surrounding several increasingly complicated issues—several of which, at the moment, happen to center on Nigeria.

What, for example, is the difference between brass and bronze, and why does that distinction matter? Repatriation has proven to be anything but straightforward as objects return to Nigeria within an evolving museum system. Understandably, people are angry. Some feel they have been manipulated by an unclear and constantly changing political environment.

But the larger issue is bigger than Nigeria. Nigeria is simply one example of the far more complicated cultural-property decisions that museums, collectors, governments, and the art market will face in the future. Doing what appears to be the right thing today does not guarantee that it will still be regarded as the right thing twenty years from now. Once politics or religion becomes involved, even seemingly straightforward cultural questions can become extraordinarily complicated.

Meanwhile, Mark and I are wrapping up a major case that has consumed a considerable amount of our time. With that nearing completion, we will be able to return more of our attention to the ArtTrak website, our evolving social-media campaign, and the ArtTrak YouTube channel.

Our appraisal, authentication, and research services remain extremely active. If you need our assistance, please let us know through ArtTrak Appraisals.

There are more surprises ahead. As always, we appreciate your interest, comments, and continued support.

JB