Refund policy

Refund Policy

Original Tribal Arts is a private gallery. Each work we present is a unique antique or vintage tribal artwork, sourced over decades by the collector. We are not a standard e-commerce store: there is no automated checkout on this website. Every transaction is handled personally and is finalised through a secure third-party escrow service.

Because of the nature of what we sell, one-of-a-kind cultural objects of significant value, our process is built around protecting the buyer before the sale becomes final, not after.

1. How a sale works

After you contact us about a piece, we agree the price, terms and shipping. The full payment is then placed in escrow with an independent third party. The piece is shipped fully insured. When it arrives, you have the opportunity to inspect it physically and verify that it matches the description, photographs, condition and provenance disclosed on the product page. Funds are released to us only when you confirm.

2. Inspection window during escrow

During the escrow inspection period (agreed in writing case by case, in line with the chosen escrow provider's standard terms) you may refuse to release the funds and return the piece if it materially differs from the description, photographs, stated condition or provenance. In that case the escrow is reversed and no payment is taken.

3. Sales are final after release of funds

Because each piece is unique and the buyer has already inspected and approved it physically before authorising the release of funds, all sales are final once the escrow is released. We do not accept returns, exchanges or refunds for change of mind, evolving taste, decor changes, gifting or any subjective reason.

4. Authenticity guarantee

We stand behind every piece we sell. If, after the sale, the buyer obtains a written, dated opinion from a recognised independent expert or institution stating that the piece is not authentic as represented, we ask the buyer to contact us in writing within a reasonable time. We will review the documentation in good faith and, where the claim is substantiated, we will accept the return of the piece, in the same condition and original packaging, and issue a full refund of the purchase price. Outbound shipping and insurance costs are not refunded.

5. Damage in transit

All pieces are shipped fully insured. If a piece arrives visibly damaged, do not release the escrow: photograph the packaging and the piece immediately, and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will manage the insurance claim with the carrier and the escrow provider.

6. What is not covered

We cannot accept claims for: damage occurring after delivery, restoration or modification carried out by the buyer, normal characteristics of antique and ethnographic objects (age-related wear, traces of ritual use, natural ageing of materials, minor inconsistencies disclosed in the description), or pieces returned without the original packaging or without insurance.

7. Contact

All requests must be sent in writing to carugati-senait@hotmail.com. We aim to reply within one business day.

Nothing in this policy limits or excludes any rights granted to consumers by mandatory provisions of the law applicable in their country of residence.