French/African school, mid 20th Century Carved hardwood (possibly ebony) figure of a standing woman, base signed "Ferg Dupre"
31 December 2024
Description

Bought in Africa in the 1960s. Thinking it’s Ebony. Possibly meant to be a slave.

Dimensions

5’ 6” tall

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within about 2 hours
By Delia
Dec 31, 15:55 UTC
Fair Market Value
$1,500 - $2,000 USD
Suggested Asking Price $2,200 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Claiborne,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

An online search of the signature on this - "Ferg Dupre" - has picked up another African style carving possibly by the same carver, about which little is known. (https://www.chairish.com/product/15049078/oceanic-carved-wood-figure-of-two-lovers - note the price is retail not fair market)
Life-sized carved hardwood figures have a niche appeal and limited audience but assuming this is the same carver, a fair-market value for your figure would be $1,500-2,000.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

French/African school, mid 20th Century
Carved hardwood (possibly ebony) figure of a standing woman
base signed "Ferg Dupre"
66 inches (5 feet 6 inches tall)
CONDITION: This sculpture appears to be in generally good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$1,500-2,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

Claiborne clan Dec 31, 15:59 UTC

The statue is a woman (she’s wearing a dress). Can you please change the appraisal to say woman/female? Thank you!

Delia Dec 31, 16:00 UTC

Whoops, my apologies - I've updated this, thanks!

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