Few years ago Hermes via a Parisian connoisseur of African contemporary art, used a work of Tanzania artist George Lilanga for one of their eponymous scarves. It was the first time Hermes has looked to an African motif for their expensive women’s fashion accessories.  The shop assistant here was happy to showcase to yours truly the Lilanga scarf  at Hermes, Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The African classical sculptures, wooden masks and other paraphernalia, created a sensational happening at Parisian auction houses couple of decades ago. The prices they fetched were unprecedented. They were snatched by discerning collectors, none African.