Shropshire and Mid Wales people who may have tribal art stored away in their homes are being urged to take it along to a valuation day in Shrewsbury next month to have it evaluated professionally.

Jeremy Lamond, fine art director at Halls’ Battlefield headquarters, hopes to uncover tribal art treasures during the event on Friday, May 8 from 10am to 2pm. He is busy gathering items for future auctions and is happy to make home visits to view collections or large pieces. He can be contacted on Tel: 01743 450700.

In January, a collection of aboriginal items, which included a Leangle club, parrying shield and boomerang, sold for £4,000 at Halls. Due to the growing interest in tribal art amongst collectors in the UK, the company plans to establish a dedicated section in future auctions.

Earlier this month, a carved table brought back from Africa by an Irish missionary sold for £500 at Halls’ fine furniture, European ceramics and works of art auction. The table’s carvings, depicting Oba, King of Benin, supported by his courtiers, were believed to be copies of famous bronzes now housed in museums and collections around the world.

“The tribal art market is massive in France but is also growing in popularity in the UK and we are keen to develop a dedicated section to meet this demand,” said Mr Lamond. “I am keen to hear from anyone who has tribal art items, which they would like valued and are thinking of selling.”