Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraised property.

The item appraised is a Cameroon style African carved wooden figure. It is similar in style to the Bangwa tribal figures. It is not really a forgery, hence I am able to value it. Such decorative figures are sold legitimately in the market in the long tradition of making figures in such cultures. They may be bought as tourist or for decorative purposes. Older figures often times are smaller and have a different, darker patination sometimes with libation, such as blood, milk etc applied in ceremonies which you could see altered on the surface . In addition, it would be normal for an earlier piece to have documented provenance from an old collection, sometimes you get photographs of items in situ being used. From the style of the features, surface patination, facial expression and overall feel and quality of the surface and carving, it appears your figure is a 20th century reproduction and I have valued it accordingly. nevertheless it is an impressive decorative item.

It may have a slightly higher cost of it was bought in a retail environment but I have valued it realistically for you, and this is what I feel you could achieve by resale through auction or if you wanted to buy similar from one.

Please let me know if you need further help. Many thanks.