Despite Gabonese protesters at the auction house asking for the item's "restitution," a 19th-century carved mask from Central Africa was auctioned in France for 4.2 million euros ($4.6 million) on Saturday.
The unique wooden "Ngil" mask, used in ceremonies by Gabon's Fang ethnic group, shattered its estimate of 300,000-400,000 euros at an auction in Montpellier, southern France.
"It's a case of getting stolen goods," a man identifying himself as a Gabonese community member in Montpellier yelled from the rear of the auction room, accompanied by half a dozen fellow Gabonese.
"We're going to submit a complaint." We will recover this artefact, our ancestors, my ancestors, from the Fang community," the demonstrator stated, identifying the mask as a relic.
As far as he knew, auctioneer Jean-Christophe Giuseppi stated the auction was "completely lawful."
The demonstrators left the auction chamber calmly, but continued their demonstration against the sale of African works of art, escorted by security guards.
A Congolese chair that sold for 44,000 euros was also included in Saturday's auction.
With additional charges and fees, the winning bidder spent a total of 5.25 million euros for the Fang mask, which is close to a record for such an item.
A similar Fang mask sold for 5.9 million euros at a Paris auction in 2006.
