DENVER, PA.- A collection of authentic African tribal art amassed over 40 years by a private collector in Ohio is the centerpiece of Dan Morphy Auctions’ May 13-15, 2010 Spring sale. The collection will be offered in 300 lots, the contents of which were cataloged by the noted specialist African art dealer and appraiser Oumar Keinde.

Keinde confirmed that all of the art in the sale was carved in Africa and is geared mostly toward entry-level buyers or those who wish to decorate their homes or offices with collectible, original tribal art.

“These items are mostly from the period between1950 and the late 20th century, and are known as ‘original replacements.’ If they were the early originals, they would cost 30 to 50 times as much and would be in museums,” Keinde said. “While the items in the auction are primarily meant to be decorative, they are still original African artworks and are very collectible.”

Keinde noted that the most important articles in the sale include a pair of Central African Songeye shrine artifacts, $5,000-$6,000; a Central African Luba Shankadi mask from Zaire, $2,800-$3,500; a West African Dogon post depicting a couple, $2,400-$2,800; and a West African Bambara warrior shrine piece, $2,800-$3,500. Keinde estimates that 90 percent of the collection consists of African masks, figurines, shrine statues and other artifacts.

All forms of bidding will be available in Dan Morphy’s May 13-15 Spring Auction, including live via the Internet through MorphyLive (www.morphyauctions.com) or LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information on any item in the sale, call 717-335-3435 or e-mail dan@morphyauctions.com.