Guide · 22 October 2026
Buying African Art Online: A No-Mistakes Guide
How to buy African art online without getting it wrong: an identifiable gallery, photos and video of the piece, a certificate of authenticity, clear payment and shipping. The process followed at Ge'eza's gallery in Dakar.
Buying African art online without getting it wrong comes down to checking four things before you pay: that the gallery is identifiable, with a real address, phone number and opening hours; that the piece is shown in photos and ideally video; that a certificate of authenticity comes with the sale; and that payment and shipping are explained clearly before any money changes hands. At Ge'eza's gallery in Point E, that process runs in three steps: you ask for the price from the artwork's page, the team replies on WhatsApp with the details and the certificate, then you pay and either collect the painting or have it shipped.
Check that the gallery is actually real
Start by looking for a physical address, a phone number that someone answers, and visiting hours that are actually posted. A gallery selling African art online that never says where it is, or how to reach it beyond a contact form, is worth a second look. Ge'eza can be visited in Point E, inside a villa at 656 avenue Birago Diop, Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm, closed Mondays: the gallery and the restaurant share the same hours, so you can see the works before or after a meal.
Ask for photos and a short video
A single photo rarely tells you everything about a canvas: texture, the thickness of paint, or the real scale of a piece come across better across several angles, or in a short video shot in natural light. Do not hesitate to ask for this before deciding, especially if you are buying from abroad and will not see the piece before it ships. A serious gallery answers that kind of request without treating it as a sign of distrust.
The certificate of authenticity
Every work sold at Ge'eza leaves with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. This document confirms the piece is genuinely theirs, and it matters for insurance, for any future resale, or simply as a record of the purchase. The guide on the certificate of authenticity covers what it should contain and why it matters as much as the canvas itself.
Payment and shipping
Payment terms should be clear before you pay anything: at Ge'eza's gallery, settlement runs through Wave, Orange Money, card or in person. Once paid, the work is collected at Point E or shipped outside Dakar on request, which calls for packing suited to the format and the technique. The guide on shipping artwork from Dakar covers packing, the documents to keep and realistic timeframes.
The process at Ge'eza, step by step
The gallery currently shows works from the Lien commun collection, among them "La foule," an available oil on canvas, listed on the gallery page. Once you have found a piece, the process is the same for every work: ask for the price from its page, get a reply on WhatsApp or by phone with the technical details and the certificate, then pay and arrange collection or shipping. Prices are not posted online while the gallery's price list is still being finalised; they are given on request, piece by piece.
What to ask before you pay
A few questions avoid unpleasant surprises: is the piece unique, or part of a series close in subject or composition; what are its exact dimensions and technique; what condition is it in; how long does shipping to your country take, and which carrier is used; is the certificate included at no extra cost. A gallery that answers each of these precisely, in writing, inspires more confidence than a sales page with no human contact behind it.
After the purchase
Keep the invoice and the certificate together, in one folder, physical or digital: both matter for insurance and for any resale years from now. If a piece travels by air or freight, track it until it arrives and check its condition before signing any delivery release. Photograph the canvas on arrival, straight on and under neutral light; that image is a useful addition to the folder, whether for a carrier dispute or simply as a record of its original condition.
What changes depending on where you live
Buying online from the United States, the United Kingdom or Canada follows the same process as buying from Dakar, with one difference: shipping time and cost vary by destination, and it is worth asking about both before deciding rather than after. From the US or UK, also allow for a reply time on WhatsApp that reflects the time difference with Dakar: a question sent late in the day often gets its answer the next morning, Dakar time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check that an online African art gallery is trustworthy?
Look for a physical address, a contact number that is actually answered, and posted opening hours. A trustworthy gallery also answers in writing when you ask about a specific piece before paying.
Should I always ask for a video before buying a piece remotely?
It is not required, but it helps you judge the real texture and scale of a canvas, especially if you will not see it before it ships.
Is the certificate of authenticity automatic?
At Ge'eza, yes: every work sold leaves with a certificate signed by the artist, with no extra steps on your part.
How does payment work at Ge'eza?
By Wave, Orange Money, card or in person, once the price and the piece's details have been confirmed by the team.
Can a piece bought online be shipped outside Dakar?
Yes, on request for a quote. It can also be collected directly at Point E if you are on site.
