In selling distinctive collectibles, art and furnishings from all over the world – both antique and contemporary - the question of authenticity inevitably arises. Historically, at PRIMITIVE, our definition of authentic was simple: authentic meant what we presented was used and/or intended for use by the indigenous people. This was especially true many years ago when our focus was exclusively on unique, culturally significant material. In its original context, authentic meant you would find genuine, real objects and furnishings instead of those made purely for export or tourism....
Ceramic works from Africa can be loosely divided into two categories: terra cotta figurative art and earthenware vessels. In opposition to figurative art, ceramic vessels can be broken down into two sub-categories: utilitarian and ceremonial...
“Cultural objects tell stories; and in each story a simple message is found—all cultures are the same, we just express ourselves differently”–GLEN JOFFE, OWNER
