BBC Antiques Roadshow fans floored as £16 art unveiled as 'African currency' worth £600
dailystar.co.ukAntiques Roadshow viewers claimed a piece of "art" was "stolen from Africa" when a woman got $20 art valued and it turned out to be "African currency" worth £600.Fiona Bruce presented the much-loved BBC One programme that delves into and values antiques brought in by members of the public.Set in chic locations around the UK, and the world, tonight saw the programme film from Bodnant Garden, a National Trust property near Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy, Wales. READ NEXT: Antiques Roadshow guest lost for words at valuation of Queen Elizabeth I signatureOne lady from the Midwest lived in San Fransisco for a short while and bought a piece of "art" for $20 while stateside.
She thought it was a "granary door" but after bringing the slab onto the BBC programme, she discovered that it was actually from Africa and linked to the "Lobi people".The lady explained how she was told that it was a granary door - which originate from Africa and would protect the window-like opening into each family's grain storage building.
The expert who explained to the lady what her item actually was said that it's important in the culture of the Lobi, and important to their survival. "I believe this is currency, it's rare," he announced.Adding that it's made from bronze, and has "got some age".He explained how it's "very unusual" and imagines it originates from the 20th century."I think a collector would be prepared to pay £400 and £600," he said - which overjoyed the lady who had taken in the item to get valued.The lady was absolutely stunned when she learned just how much profit the small slab had made her over the years, considering it only set her back $200.
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