An elderly couple found themselves in the middle of a multimillion dollar lawsuit. Mr. and Mrs. Fournier, 88 and 81 years old, finally sought legal assistance after selling an African mask worth more than R$22 million for 150 euros (about R$790).
According to information from O Globo, the elderly French couple decided to take action, which also involved a secondhand dealer and the government of Gabon, after selling the piece for 150 euros and discovering months later that it was being auctioned for 4 euros. 2 million euros (R22.1 million).
According to older people, the mask in question was kept in a closet in the house where they lived and was an inheritance from the man’s grandfather, who was a colonial governor in French Africa in the early 20th century.
The pair had no idea of the mask’s value when they sold it to the dealer, but were surprised to find out months later what the item was worth at auction. The milliondollar price paid for the mask was published in a news article in the local newspaper.
Despite the decision to seek legal assistance, the elderly lost the case at first instance last year and appealed. In his defense, the dealer states that he only learned the value of the item when he took it to the auction house for an appraisal.
Rare item
The mask that sparked the legal dispute is an artifact made by the Fang people and, according to one expert, there are only ten others of its kind in the world. It is said to have belonged to the Ngil secret society, which was tasked with fighting for justice among the Fang people to care.
After the proceedings began against the appeal filed by the elderly, the Gabonese government decided to request a stay of the proceedings, claiming that the mask belonged to the country and accusing Mr. Fournier’s grandfather of stealing the mask in question.
According to OIivia Betoe Bi Evie, one of the lawyers representing Gabon, the outcome of the lawsuit is expected to be announced on December 19.
She also emphasizes the importance of the object for the people of the country: “For Westerners it is an art object, but for Africans and Gabonese it is a ritual object that serves to ensure peace in society. It is very important” .
Also read: “I’m alive”: 85yearold woman enjoys using Tinder