Provenance & Shipping

Every work by Hamed Ouattara leaves the studio in Ouagadougou as a documented, insured and professionally crated shipment. This page explains how a piece travels from Burkina Faso to a collection anywhere in the world.

Provenance and documentation

Each piece is accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity stating the title, studio reference (for example SHO-BOL-2022-002), year, materials, dimensions and edition number. On request, the studio also provides a condition report with photographs, exhibition history where applicable, and a copy of the work's entry in the studio archive. Works by Hamed Ouattara are held in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Vitra Design Museum (Germany), Brooklyn Museum (New York) and Denver Art Museum (USA).

Packing and crating

Works are packed at the studio under the supervision of the workshop team. Each piece is wrapped in protective layers, immobilised, and secured in a custom wooden crate built to international shipping standards. Crates are marked, photographed before sealing, and accompanied by a packing list.

Transport

Depending on the destination, size and timeline, shipments travel by air freight from Ouagadougou or by sea freight via Abidjan or Tema. Air freight typically takes one to three weeks door to door. Sea freight typically takes six to ten weeks and is the most economical option for monumental pieces. The studio works with experienced freight forwarders and provides tracking at every stage. Delivery can be arranged to the door, including white glove installation through local art handlers where available.

Insurance

All shipments are insured nail to nail, from the studio to the point of delivery, at the full acquisition value. The insurance certificate is shared with the collector before departure.

Customs and export

The studio prepares all export documentation from Burkina Faso, including the certificate of origin and the invoice for customs. Contemporary works by a living artist generally enter most countries at reduced or zero import duty, though import taxes vary by destination and remain the responsibility of the buyer. The studio and its forwarders assist with customs clearance at arrival.

Timelines

Available works ship within two to four weeks of payment, allowing time for crating and export formalities. Commissioned works follow the production schedule agreed at the time of order, typically twelve to twenty weeks, plus transport.

Questions

For a precise shipping quote, write to studiohamedouattarabf@gmail.com or reach the studio on WhatsApp with the work reference and your delivery city.