Rare African mask case worth millions lost by elderly French couple.

A second-hand dealer has won a court case allowing him to keep the €4.2m proceeds from the sale of a rare African mask that he discovered in an elderly French couple's attic. The dealer had been asked to help clear the couple's attic and ended up purchasing the mask from them for €150. The couple later sued, claiming that they had been deceived about the item's value. However, the judge ruled in favor of the dealer, stating that the couple had not recognized the true worth of the artwork. The mask, which is believed to be one of only about 10 in the world, was made by the Fang people of Gabon and would have been worn by members of the Ngil secret society. The mask's origins trace back to the French colonial era when it was acquired by the French colonial governor's grandfather. Although Gabon argued that the mask rightfully belonged to the country, the court rejected their claim. This case highlights the ongoing discussion around the restitution of African art held outside the continent, a topic that French President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal about.