Unique considerations relating to the appraisal of indigenous and spiritual works of art

January 4, 2023

Art appraisals are typically determined by how much money buyers are willing to pay for a piece. That being said, there is often much more behind the value of art than the market will reflect. Historical and cultural components of an artwork can greatly increase the value, as well as the spiritual significance or emotional connection between the viewer and the work.

Although market forces play an important role in determining the value of artwork, subjective elements such as cultural heritage, spiritual significance and emotional connection must also be taken into account, particularly when appraising indigenous and spiritual works of art.

Factors to consider in appraisals

A comprehensive understanding of an artwork’s past and present allows appraisers to provide a more accurate and balanced assessment of its value. In addition to market-based elements, provenance, condition and rarity are important factors to consider. Provenance is the origin of an artwork which can provide insight into its cultural and historic context, while condition is a measure of the artwork’s preservation over time. Rarity refers to the rarity of similar pieces, which can greatly influence the value if there are few other like it.

Art valuation must also consider the reputation and expertise of the artist, as well as their influence on society or the art world. The artist’s skill and technique in producing the piece, as well as the level of innovation they have shown, will need to be taken into account when assessing its value. In addition to market forces such as demand, supply and trends, the intangible qualities and feelings associated with an artwork must also be considered. Art has a unique ability to evoke emotion and provide spiritual or cultural significance, and this must be recognized when assessing its value.

How can spiritual and cultural significance be assessed?

Spiritual and cultural significance can be assessed in numerous ways, including the artwork's impact on viewers, the meaning or message it conveys and its ability to evoke emotion or create a call to action. Artworks which reflect important aspects of a certain time period or culture are often highly valued for their historical context, as well as their spiritual or emotional value. Additionally, works by renowned or influential artists may be highly sought after due to their fame and reputation, thereby increasing their value.

In Africa, for example, art is highly valued for its spiritual and cultural connections to the past. African artworks may be valued for their link to traditional beliefs or ceremonies, as well as their ability to evoke emotion, document history and bring people together. Items such as masks, sculptures, pottery and other items used in rituals all have spiritual or cultural significance that contributes to their value, regardless of the current market conditions.

Indigenous artwork must be treated with respect, and the artist’s story should be taken into account when assessing its value, as well as the history and traditions of the relevant community. In certain communities, artwork can be used to tell stories about the past, or even to pass down important teachings and wisdom.

One could argue that such objects cannot even be put up for sale at all, due to the valuable cultural and spiritual information that they contain, or that significant premiums should be added where the item will be relocated away from its origin. In any case, each work must be analyzed holistically, not only by international experts, but also local traditional and spiritual leaders.

Conclusion

The final verdict of any art appraisal will ultimately depend on the professional judgement of the expert giving it. Though market values are important factors when assessing an artwork’s worth, they should be used in conjunction with more subjective measures that take into account history, heritage, spiritual and emotional components. A comprehensive understanding of an artwork’s cultural and historical context is essential to arriving at an accurate valuation, and appropriately compensating not only the artist but also the community that enjoys the artwork. By using a combination of objective and subjective measures when assessing the value of art, appraisers can provide a more complete and accurate assessment of an artwork’s value.

CPM